As Indian Americans   celebrate the 77th  Independence Day of India with parades and festivities,   my thoughts go back to the days when India was struggling for freedom under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, who  the world recognizes as an apostle  of peace and non-violence. Throughout my life,  I have admired the great freedom fighters who sacrificed the comfort of their homes and  struggled to free the people of India from the foreign yoke.

When India got freedom and the leaders at the helm of affairs of the nascent democracy plunged themselves into bringing India out of penury , ignorance and backwardness, I was filled with admiration for their work of  resurrecting  the nation.

With liberalization in 1991, India began to make great leaps forward, and steadily but surely the wheels of economy started moving. Embracing science and technology, India made rapid strides in various fields. India came to be recognized as one of the fastest developing nations. I felt very proud of the achievements of India, and the numerous Indians in  India , and , more importantly, abroad who made a mark for themselves, and brought joy to both their country of adoption and their country of origin.

India has a great future, going by the economic growth of the country. But  the fruit of the growth  must reach the poorest of the poor, which is yet to happen. Also, it must be remembered that India is a multi-religious and multi-cultural country , just as the US is, and they all have their rights under the Constitution of India which must not be trampled underfoot.

The greatness of India since times immemorial has been a recognition of the commonality of Godhead, and this belief India must hold on to.  The noble ideas  of “ Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina, Sarve bhavantu niramaya” must not remain only the quotes to sing praises of the glorious traditions and values of India but continue to guide India on the road to becoming “vishwaguru”.

Happy Independence Day of India!