august 15

Last year I was hugely excited about I-day. No idea why, but I am quite sure it was the then readers and the camaraderie that surrounded me at that time. I went on and on about dressing in tricolors and I ultimately did too.

Last year was good, in many ways. There was new friendships, excitement, discovery, new beginnings, learning new stuff, just positively vibrant in many ways. Just thinking back brings a smile back on my face.

In any case, this year things are different. I feel older. Maybe even tired. Unexpected demons crept up on me and it has taken a toll on my mind and body. The soul trudges on strong as ever I hope. This I-day around, as always I feel proud as ever for being an Indian. Lots of good stuff happening around, one doesn’t have to look far or hard to find reasons to belong.

For example: At work, there was a presentation that demanded each International representative in the company to talk about certain relevant issues back in their home country and compare it with situation in US. I felt so good talking about what India had to offer. There were the sore points, but there was so much relevance that as I spoke my voice rang out clear and loud. Ive always spoken okay, but this apparently stood out with the big guns enough to want them to prompt me to do one more next month. Yay? Yes, yay. In a small way, I thought I made India proud as much as I was proud of it. I do have to thank Vijay for helping me with some background information, definitely provided more input and value to what I presented.

This 15th also happens to be Varalakshmi Vratam. I try and do it every year. Some years turn out fancier than some, but it’s something I don’t like to miss. A tradition worth saving. So took the day off, as mom’s here as well, and just figured there was no point rushing through the days.

Not sure if I’d dress the tricolors, but sure would be a true desi at heart all day. :)

I feel cautious optimism. There is relief in the air and I am beginning to feel more myself. A smile on my face and the heart’s lighter. Would my friends reading this say a small prayer for me? I could use some just about now. :)

Alright! Happy Independance day folks. So tell me, what did you guys do? Anything at all to mark the day? Feel anything? Anyone sing/watch/play any of the songs? What’s your favorite? I totally cry buckets when Lata sings “Aye mere watan ke logon” . *sigh. (skip to past 3.30 if you’d like in the video)

ye Mere Vatan Ke Logon
zara Aankh Mein Bhar Lo Paani
jo Shaheed Hue Hain Unki
zara Yaad Karo Qurbaani

And ladies, anyone do the vratam/nombu? Or did you just go hog some sundal at someone’s place? That works too, I totally love the sundals. Any kind. And boy, are there kinds. I know Altoid’s coming over to help herself!

(and o, an interesting piece of useless info: After House MD, which is an all-time referrer for folks in Eurasia to land here, this week ‘varalakshmi’ has scaled some huge numbers. Very impressive considering so many religious pious ladies google and then what happens? They land here only to read my depressing fables, the poor things! *sigh)

Happy weekend everyone :)