65 years and still counting
A child born every minute

65 years and still shouting
The same slogans every day

65 years and still waiting
For every man to have a home

65 years and still hoping
For a better life for every one

65 years and still building
A decent network of roads

65 years and still seeking
A country without corruption

65 years and still dreaming
About a safe society for everyone

65 years and still sleeping
On broken footpaths on the street

65 years and still talking
About plans for a better land

65 years and still standing
With begging bowl in hand

65 years and still watching
Athletes from other nations go past

65 years and anticipating
A tap that never runs dry

65 years and still thinking
Of strategy to move forward

65 years and still debating
The politics of good and bad

65 years and still worshipping
The same old holy cows

65 years and still waving
That well worn Hand aloft

65 years and still hoping
That things will one day change

65 years and still proud
To be an Indian today.

Happy Independence Day. Despite the riots in Mumbai, the “breakdown” of law and order, the imminent drought facing us this year, the chaos and the mess in our politics, the systems that never work the way they should, the roads with pot holes every yard, the electricity that flashes on and off, the hundred thousand ills, 
I’m proud to be an Indian  as I watch the tricolour flutter in the breeze.