Jana Gana Mana Adhinayak Jai He Bharat Bhagya Vidhata (The National Anthem of India)
“So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked. India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition.” – Mark Twain
‘Unity In Diversity’ is a concept that best applies to my home country. The variations of India’s cultural diversity are beaded together in a colorful string of peace and harmony. Always warm and inviting, India is a land of timeless beauty. Nestled between Pakistan, China and Nepal, the country is bordered by Pakistan to the northeast, and China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north and northwest; and Burma to the east.
Culture
India is one of the most diverse multi-ethnic country in the world, with some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures. The best way to explore the country’s cultural diversification of India is by being a part of the festivals. Known widely as the Festival of Colour, ‘HOLI’ takes place over two days, and is a celebration of triumph of good over evil. The festival is a carnival of colored powder with people drenching each other and enjoying Holi delicacies.
India Holiday
My most recent visit to India was in June 2018. The month long trip was full of tripping over street food of India, while spending time with my family. My parents stay in New Delhi, which is not just a heart of the Nation’s capital, but also the heart and soul of Indian civilization. The city always has a special place in my heart. Being my birthplace, it is not just another city to me, but a place to go and seek solace.
Chandigarh is the 2nd city that is close to my heart is where my second set of parents reside. The city is an outstanding example of architecture, planning and landscaping and has been given the title of the greenest city of India.
I know my country has flaws, every country has them. I agree that it needs to address gender equality on many fronts. The attitude towards women and rapes needs a complete transformation. Honestly, I don’t see that happening soon, but the movement has started and that makes me proud.
At a time when most developing countries opted for authoritarian models of governance to promote nation-building and economic development, India chose to build a multi-party democracy. That democracy may be freewheeling, boisterous, corrupt, and inefficient. But, despite many stresses and strains over the years – including 22 months of autocratic rule during a “state of emergency” declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975 – it has survived, and even flourished.
– By Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, India.
I would like to applaud the United States of America for excelling so much that it forces other countries to compete on a higher plane.
Here are a few misconceptions people have about India
- Indian’s don’t speak Indian or Hindu – Our official languages are Hindi and English
- Arrange Marriage- Yes, but not for all
- Everyone living in India is not a Hindu – We have people of all faiths living in our country
- Indian Food equals Instant Indigestion – Not at all, there is more variety of Indian food than half the world. Not everything is spicy.
- Snake Charmers – This is a big misconception that our streets are full of them. I have never seen one and nor will you.
- Indian toilets are unhygienic – Scientifically proven to be healthy!
- Not all Indians are cow worshippers
- Poverty picture of India will get you a Pulitzer prize – We have problems like any other nation and are striving to overcome them. India is the world’s 6th largest economy, which is a rapidly growing
Don’t judge a book by its cover, explore it. Visit ‘MY INDIA’ for an experience of a lifetime.
Tanya Sawhney is a local freelance journalist and can be reached at: mailtanya05@gmail.com
