Almost every day I walk past this monument built to mark the Quit India Movement in a busy park . Well maintained though largely ignored, I wonder what our Fredom Fighters would have made of the country they had fought for.

Today as we enter the eightieth year of Independece, certain thoughts come to mind.

I grew up in a country that had just about attained independence and was struggling with the idea of nationhood. With Socialism shaping global politics, naturally economic progress and social mobility was high on the agenda.

Sadly, after so many years, we have made economic progress, but social inequality measures to address them. Subsidies have not removed poverty, affirmative action has not removed class distinctions, and modernisation has not increased employment, infrastructure and healthcare.

On being Indian

Over the years, our social fabric has evolved into a hybrid model that leaves us more confused than ever. How do we identify ourselves? By language, religion, caste, class?

The more we try to bring order and uniformity, it seems that we are creating more chaos.

We are still struggling with basic essentials of good living. We don’t seem to have got anything right. We have sent a rocket to Mars, we have fought and won wars, we fight and squabble over the most inane issues.

But this is my country and I am happy and proud to call myself an Indian.

I feel unbridled joy when I hear our National Anthem being played in cinema theatres and sports arenas. I am moved to tears when I see our men and women in uniform serving our nation selflessly. I feel happy when I show my passport at Immigration even though I know I am returning to a country that is not always perfect.

I am coming home.

Jai Hind today and always.