A hope for tomorrow

So there i was attending this annual day function at Geetanjali Devashala as part of my work when i was hit by a wave of memories that just flooded me. It was a different sensation altogether being in the audience of a school's annual day and not being part of one.

I remember how much fun i used to have during my annual days. The excitement, the enthusiasm and just that feeling of doing something on stage for your school, is something that will never come back. The crazy costumes, the rouge that's applied on your face, the anxious teachers and parents-annual days were fun.

It's been years since i have been to one-not after i passed out of school and i felt so good and so positive as i watched the performances begin.

School annual days and sports days are a big deal in our country. And am glad they are. Because to me they are those few opportunities that you as an Indian student (of course times have changed now) have to present yourself, to put your best foot forward and to shine. It is also the time for you to get over your crazy fears and just do your best, not to mention learning to work in a team.

Today, as i sat in the front row and watched the students-from the tiny tots to the teenagers-i felt a strange sense of harmony. I felt at home, though this wasnt my school or these weren't my classmates.

And perhaps what made me feel so peaceful and positive was that even after 9 odd years after having passed out of school, the school annual day routine was still the same. It still reflected India, its diversity, its challenges and still brought out the patriotism that few of us adults feel or can identify with nowadays.

The innocence and enthusiasm with which they performed those dances-traditional dances of different states-and participated in plays, gave me hope. It for once silenced the cynic in me which keeps telling me oh nothing is going to change... for once there was this really strong positive voice in me which told me-hey there is still hope.

If my next generation and their next generations are still getting the message of Indian independence, of religious tolerance, of terrorism and corruption, then there is hope. Because, this generation too, like many in my generation will strive for a better tomorrow. And they are so a very aware set of youngsters. Aware of their rights and responsibilities. And that thought gives me hope.

It was with a lot of pride as an Indian i watched them unfold the different facets of my beautiful country. I was filled with pride as these little ones showcased the diversity of my nation and made me realise that in my cynical little world, i was missing out on the larger picture-that despite all the problems and challenges, we as Indians have managed to live with tolerance and in harmony.

Yes, we have problems but then we also have people like u and me and those students who performed today at that Annual Day with their full heart and soul, who will find solutions.

And yes, the feeling of singing your national anthem with others is a different feeling altogether.