Independence Day @ Unnati

Hey guys,
This is an Update of Celebration of Independence Day at Unnati written by our volunteer Srinivasan

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Dear Friends,

What a way to celebrate the 60th year of Indian Independence and the 150th anniversary of the 1857 Freedom Struggle! To quote that ‘in every crisis lays an opportunity’ would just be a formality.

The Independence Day celebrations began in the early morning hours of August 15, but the foundation for this ‘unprecedented’ event was laid a couple of days back by two spirited men; Sachin from EVS and Shankar from Hero Honda. Shankar had an idea that was aptly supported by Sachin. The finale was a soul-touching Azaadi ka Jashn with our very own Unnati. It was a pleasant surprise that the volunteers list was dominated by techies from Hero Honda. The support cast included the Guru Sumanji (and her daughter Priyanka), Manisha (EVS), Isha, Manoj Rathi (Market RX), Asutosh and Tarun (EVS), Rajesh khanaaji, Kashyap, Kamal, Akhilesh (all from Hero Honda), Harkeerti and of course, yours truly.

Sachin, Shankar and I landed at ground zero at 7.30 AM and were amazed to see the young and adorable kids waiting for us. Sachin and Shankar had intimated them earlier about a possible celebration and we could sense that the kids were pretty expectant as this was their first. We also overheard the localites that the kids were anxiously wandering around Unnathi since 6.00 AM in the morning. Sumanji Sr. and Jr. were energetic from the very beginning; they spread the colors of independence on a beautiful rangoli. I was assigned the task of calligraphy. I beautified the wall with the letters of ‘Independence Day’. Forgive me if the letters look twisted and tweaked in the photographs. Meanwhile, Sachin and Shankar made the necessary arrangements for the all important ‘flag-hoisting’. The landlord was very supportive indeed. By 8.30 AM the trickle of volunteers began and by 9.00 AM we were 10-12 in strength

Rathi bhai took up the task of teaching the kids the importance of the day. They displayed tremendous enthusiasm during the ‘class’. He egged them on the verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. By 9.30 AM they were ready for the finale. Isha and Manisha kept themselves occupied with the little ones. The live-wire Kashyap captured those fantastic moments in his Handycam. The entry of a huge box of jalebis signaled the beginning of the flag hoisting ceremony. As we all sang the National Anthem in chorus, the tri-color unfurled itself and started rattling in the wind, making us remember those heroes whose blood sweat and tears brought us Azaadi.

Soon after the kids tasted the mouth watering Jalebis and called it a day. A short round of volunteer introduction then followed. We then left the place with a sense of fulfillment. This is just the beginning. Time shall stand testimony to all future events.

I would like to thank all the volunteers for their whole-hearted support in making the event memorable. Others need not feel left out, there is always another day. Life is calling…where are you?

Jai Hind. Vande Mataram!

Yours truly,
Srinivasan