Over the extended weekend, a result of Independence Day on 15th August, I commented on more than one blog about the Indian tendency to force “independence day” and its rituals down people’s throats. The attack by “activists” from Raj Thakrey’s MNS on a Pune school (an international school with most students being foreign nationals) for not summoning children for the flag hoisting ceremony proves that. It is strange that an outfit that prides itself in thrashing North Indians to within an inch of their lives and making them flee Maharashtra is so concerned about India’s independence day. Its even more strange that those who damaged property have been let off and the school is going to face action for not “celebrating Independence Day”. But the education minister had issued a warning to some schools about it in April. Maybe the state should pass a law on the subject – celebrate independence day and sing the national anthem or go to jail.
Our freedom fighters fought for the right to be free from tyranny. What are we supposed to do now?
