My Perspective

This article by former Under-Secretary General of United Nations, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, is about a letter written on August 27, 1947, by a young American woman, who had the rare privilege of being present at the independence ceremonies of both India and Pakistan. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/independence-in-the-words-of-a-young-american/article65761341.ece She wrote to her friend two weeks after witnessing the event: "The memory of the feelings that surged up within us as we watched their excitement and awe still brings tears to my eyes." It is striking that someone who, by nationality, had no direct emotional stake in the events she witnessed, still found them so exciting that thoughts of what she had seen kept her awake for two weeks. "The memories of the first Independence Day may have faded, but the power of that magical moment must never be forgotten." Wish a very happy and inspiring 75 years of independence!