Monday, Aug 16, 2004
India Independence Day Parade, Chicago
- Renuka Kamath Renuka Kamath a Post Graduate in Commerce from
India was a journalist in India for 3 years. She is currently in the US doing further studies in the field of journalism.
Renuka says, "I have always written hard core news and realized that writing in any form gives me a pleasure."
|
|
Chicago the windy city as it is known as, was also busy in the Indian Independence Day celebrations.
Devon Avenue that boasts of the maximum number of Indians and Pakistanis residing was busy preparing itself for the Independence Day Parade organized by the Federation of Indian Association.
|
|
Security was deployed in order to maintain the traffic at the Devon Avenue where the Bollywood Stars were to
meet the people of Chicago. People of all age right form kids to elders were on the roads with the Indian
National Flags waving in the hands. Elders were especially happy because this reminded them of their
home country which they have left far behind. Jayesh Mehta, a spectator who hails from Bihar and who has
migrated to the USA 8 years back says," This event is the most memorable event in my entire life, though I
cant go regularly to India still I can participate in the glory of our Independence staying in US by
participating in such parades and indeed this is a golden opportunity for us to celebrate our Independence." There were tears of joy on many faces.
|
Many Indians were seen on the roads with the Indian spirit in their hearts. There were smiles on the faces
of people. Many Indians were seen celebrating Independence Day in the way of singing the national
anthem. For a change many of our 'desis' as we are called did manage a smile back instead of blankly
ignoring each other as some do on the street. How many people were patriotic to this event of independence is
unknown, but it was a good cause for celebration. Most interesting part was that during the whole rally
many shopkeepers were distributing the national flag free of cost. Many children had set up small stall
where they were distributing water to all the spectators who were standing in the heat waiting with
bated breath for a glimpse of the stars. This parade reminded many of them of their home country and a
feeling that even though we are in a foreign land we are not alone.
Apart from all these festivities there were some stores who were offering discounts on purchases made
on that day from their stores. Not left far behind some foreigners were seen selling balloons molded into
various shapes and sizes. They also took the opportunity to cash on the celebration. Many Americans
were seen staring at the celebration with awe and many even participated in the event, which was a good
gesture.
The parade as usual started an hour late with the sponsors making their way through the crowd with big
banners decorated on trucks and people singing the national anthem. The crowd waiting to see the
Bollywood stars was also seen joining in the chorus. Sanjay Dutt, the hero made an entry in a crisp white
shirt and goggles with some men surrounding him. He was seen constantly shaking hands with people. Even
the scorching heat didn't seem to deter him in making his way on foot. After a span of few minutes State
Senator Barack Obama participated in the Independence Day celebrations by greeting and waving out to people
while his officers were busy distributing pamphlets of Obama. Not left far behind was Republican US Senate
candidate Alan Keyes who with his Indian wife by his side also celebrated in the Indian Independence Day,
which was organized by the Federation of Indian Association. People were left thinking whether this
parade was a political parade or the Indian Independence Parade.
Many spectators were of the opinion that this parade was a spectacular one. Most of the Indians were happy
meeting the Bollywood stars and the politicians. The parade lasted for three hours with many sponsors such
as Air India, Western Union etc making their way on Devon Avenue on colorful trucks flashing their
hoardings.
After the parade people were seen clutching the National Flag and humming patriotic songs, which was a
lovely sight. It was clear that even though Indians leave their home country the love for their country
will not deteriorate and their participation in such events prove that their love for their country has
increased.
We miss something when we don't have it with us and we miss our homeland, don't we?
Jai Hind!
Click here to see more pictures of Chicago Independence day celebrations.
 View and Post comment on this article
The contents of the article are Copyright © of the author and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the author.
|
