Monday, August 13, 2007

A Clockwork Orange - and white and green - in office


The movie was great but please, spare me this patrotism on I-Day

Wanted to write about the bars, streets, people and the stark difference betweeen India and its neighbours but a more important thought possesses me now. Today is August 14, the eve of our 60th Independence Day. People all around me are wearing sarees and kurta pyjamas to celebrate I-Day. Some are even playing the national anthem and other such songs laced with eye-swelling patriotism.
I am sure if were to mention the sacrifices made by our soldiers in '47, '65, '71 and Kargil wars, goosebumps will be everywhere. Some might even start crying. There are a few who would leave the office and head straight to an Army recruitment office.
I, for one, am wearing my standard cotton shirt, trousers and shoes - inviting the wrath of the all the patriots today.
"Mile sur mera tumhara" is playing in the background. It came right after somebody played A.R. Rahman's "Vande Mataram". I am waiting for Lata Mangeshkar's "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon".
My office is on the second floor. I am wondering: Should I jump now or be tortured some more.

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