Published: Sunday, Aug 15, 2010,
By Brinda Majithia | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA
Sixty three-year-old Mangala Toraskar, a homemaker who stays with her family in Tardeo, never misses the annual flag hoisting ceremony in her society on August 15. But after the national anthem is sung and she’s back home, the celebration is far from over. A cake is brought out by Toraskar’s family to celebrate another special occasion — her birthday.
Born on August 15, 1947, Toraskar is one of many who share the day of their birth with the birth of the nation. But according to her, while some things have changed, others are still the same. She says,“Things were very cheap at that time, but now nothing is available for Re1. Politicians and political parties have changed over the years but they continue making promises they don’t fulfill.”
“I feel as if the entire country is celebrating my birthday, as well as paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle,” says 95-year-old Shakuntala Rani Sehgal, who was also born on August 15 and happens to be the cousin of legendary freedom fighter SukhdevThapar. Referring to the current generation’s disregard for national heroes who fought for freedom, Sehgal offers, “Today people know Bhagat Singh because of the many films based on his life. However, we need to remember that the freedom struggle was a group effort. Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar equally contributed to the Indian independence movement, a fact that is completely overlooked today.”
Kritika Mehta, a student residing in Delhi, was born on August 15 1993 and is quite excited about celebrating her 17th birthday. She says, “I spend my birthday with friends and family. The fact that I share my birthday with India’s Independence Day makes me feel a special connection with my country.”
But ask her about the significance of the day for others her age and she replies, “The youth may not be too interested in the details and history of the freedom struggle, but they do look forward to Independence Day celebrations.”
Sixty three-year-old Mangala Toraskar, a homemaker who stays with her family in Tardeo, never misses the annual flag hoisting ceremony in her society on August 15. But after the national anthem is sung and she’s back home, the celebration is far from over. A cake is brought out by Toraskar’s family to celebrate another special occasion — her birthday.
Born on August 15, 1947, Toraskar is one of many who share the day of their birth with the birth of the nation. But according to her, while some things have changed, others are still the same. She says,“Things were very cheap at that time, but now nothing is available for Re1. Politicians and political parties have changed over the years but they continue making promises they don’t fulfill.”
“I feel as if the entire country is celebrating my birthday, as well as paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle,” says 95-year-old Shakuntala Rani Sehgal, who was also born on August 15 and happens to be the cousin of legendary freedom fighter SukhdevThapar. Referring to the current generation’s disregard for national heroes who fought for freedom, Sehgal offers, “Today people know Bhagat Singh because of the many films based on his life. However, we need to remember that the freedom struggle was a group effort. Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar equally contributed to the Indian independence movement, a fact that is completely overlooked today.”
Kritika Mehta, a student residing in Delhi, was born on August 15 1993 and is quite excited about celebrating her 17th birthday. She says, “I spend my birthday with friends and family. The fact that I share my birthday with India’s Independence Day makes me feel a special connection with my country.”
But ask her about the significance of the day for others her age and she replies, “The youth may not be too interested in the details and history of the freedom struggle, but they do look forward to Independence Day celebrations.”
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