LETTER TO MY MOTHERLAND

Dearest India,

My humble salutations to you! I derive much happiness in writing to you about my inmost feelings of being born

and raised in one of the most exquisite countries of the world...

“Bharat”, as we know boasts of an evolution from a long history which originated about 5000 years ago. I

remember that even as a little girl in school, I was in awe while learning about the chronological events which

have elapsed in our country; while it has witnessed the reigning of many glorious empires, it has also suffered

severe downfalls during certain other periods. Albeit, the enthusiasm and intellect of the people who have lived

here over the centuries, and made vital contributions in fields like arts, architecture, astronomy, entertainment,

food, literature, mathematics, science and sports, is endlessly fascinating to me.

Post Independence from the British rule, India has been gradually rising to mark its foothold into globalization.

Especially after the onset of the new millennium era, we have seen that freedom of education, expression and

personal choices have gained a whole new meaning.

I grew up revelling in the many interesting facets of being Indian; like the plentiful of festivities we have

throughout the year, satiating my taste buds with innumerable delicacies integral to the Indian cuisine, wearing

clothes made from beautiful weaves and native handlooms, appreciating a plethora of handicrafts distinctive to

every state in India, traditional customs dominating grand celebrations within our large families as well as with

friends from other communities, joyfully visiting the umpteen holiday destinations spanning length and breadth

of our nation ranging from picturesque hill-stations, to royal palaces, to ancient monuments, to serene religious

places of worship and so on.

Alongside, the increased affordability of people over the decades has resulted in a surge of luxury vehicles,

comfortable housings with latest amenities, a spurt in shopping malls, multiplexes to enjoy movies, expansion in

healthcare, larger universities offering a platter of multiple courses, flourishing hospitality industries, boom in

public transport networks and communication connectivity to all nooks and corners of the country, manifold

swelling of imports, exports and production of high quality commodities – several of which were unimaginable for

the earlier generations and thought to be accessible only on foreign shores.

Above all, it gives me immense pride to be identified with the core Indian value of ‘Unity in Diversity’ – a feature

quite unique to my homeland, because ours is the only republic where a population with myriad faiths and

languages are coalesced into a common cultural heritage.

On the flip side, our society is off and on plagued with social evils such as casteism based inequality, women’s

issues, corruption and poverty, which are blocking the pace at which we should hasten development to resonate

on par with other world leaders. I desperately hope that the inner spirit of every Indian is deeply awakened to

fight such national threats in co-operation, so that the future children of this motherland are exposed to a more

effective democracy, can spearhead unhindered progressions and rhapsodize in gratification for belonging to the

most vibrant civilization on earth.

With sincere regards,

A true Indian citizen.

By Sandhyaa V.