As I attended the celebrations to mark the Indian Independence day at my old school yesterday, a few details I had forgotten about the day came flooding back.

I had forgotten the sheer tedium of sitting through rambling speeches by Chief guests aimed at inspiring the young generation but effortlessly managing quite the opposite.

I had also forgotten the genuine sense of occasion and quiet pride that mark the day. I had some how come to associate such display of nationalism with jingoism but faced with hundreds of young girls singing about the future they aim to create for their country, it is hard to be cynical. And I was genuinely caught up in the celebrations. Happy Independence day, India!