Happy 73rd Independence Day to all of India, with special mention to the staff and editors of Subtledge-Indus – India, who published my article on their website to commemorate the auspicious occasion.
You can view it here.https://lnkd.in/gSvASUi. (The Fire of Independence Burns Steadfast by Shobana Gomes)

This is an excerpt of my article titled “Of Poets, Writers and the Glory of India” which appeared on my homepage https://alittletimewithshobana.blogspot.com dated 18th August, 2016.

I was in New Delhi, India, two days ago, and I saw the transformation that India is undergoing as opposed to a trip I made nearly a decade ago.

I always have a fascination for India because some of the most intelligent people on the planet are from there. I have noticed a graciousness about them around me and their ever so “willing to help” attitude.

The place was a contrasting subject all on its own. There seem to be history attached to everything.

At the Novotel, where I stayed, I saw a pamphlet display this verse :-

“ I asked my soul : What is Delhi? She Replied : The World is the body and Delhi its life” – Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib. I mean who thinks like this except for Master poets and visionaries!

I was totally captivated by the verse, and relished in the thought that poets are in a class of their own. Centuries of  classics are attributed to them.

Somehow, the newer generation of poets pale in comparison.

As you read the verse, you can feel their patriotic souls come alive, especially in those verses that have become synonymous with the people.

During that trip, I had the privilege of joining their 70th National Day celebrations.

Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind.

-shobana- All rights reserved.