By Honorary Reporter Ananya Arya from India

Photos = Ananya Arya

Korea was slowly freeing itself from its colonial chains from Aug. 15, 1945, and becoming an independent nation. Two years later on the same date, India did the same in declaring itself free from 200 years of British rule. Both India and Korea thus celebrate their independence on Aug. 15 every year.

In India, Independence Day celebrations are full of zeal and patriotism. From the ubiquitous presence of the national flag to big parades and matches at the Red Fort in New Delhi led by the prime minister, the holiday is marked with massive spectacles. 

All of India on this day has flag-raising ceremonies, drills and the singing of the national anthem. Cultural programs are held in state capitals. After the flag-raising ceremony at the Red Fort, a historical monument, a parade ensues with armed forces and police and attended by masses of people. All houses hang the Indian national flag, fly kites and eat the sweet snack jalebi.

Indians on Aug. 15 fly kites to observe Independence Day.

Eating the traditional sweet jalebi is another custom on Independence Day.

Chandra Deo Choudhary was part of the Quit India Movement against British colonial rule and received awards after independence in 1947. Turning 100 this year, this former activist lives in a house packed with memories in the state of Bihar.

The following are excerpts from an interview with him.

How do you feel about India's 75th Independence Day at the ripe old age of 100? 

As someone who fought for the independence of this great nation, I feel proud and elated to be a part of the journey to free India. I may have turned 100 but the patriotism within me for my country remains the same.

What was it like being a part of the Indian independence movement?

During the 1940s when I was in my 20s, youths like myself trapped in this colony at the time heard of the long and hard struggles of many Asian countries like Korea to become liberated after shedding their blood and sweat. In turn, we grew motivated and our souls and veins were filled with patriotism and the desire for a republic that ensured equality, justice and freedom for all with no discrimination or pandering to a certain caste or religion. During the Quit India Movement, most of my colleagues and myself were jailed for protesting British rule, but our sacrifices eventually led to the independent India of today.

Describe your feelings when India finally got its independence.

All of us had mixed emotions, partly because our happiness cost thousands of lives lost and the partition of India into two nations. My city didn't sleep that night but people were thrilled and everyone was filled with zeal and enthusiasm. The mood was somber, moral and religious, but overall, I will cherish that feeling forever because I could finally say the country was free. 

Having directly experienced India's struggle for freedom, what message do you have to the nation's youth?

Your country stands above anyone or anything else. So always keep your head high and dedicate yourself to the service of this great nation whenever required.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.