ID Master Copy F

Vision-2047 Independence Day Special Edition Celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence A Media Studies Association Production

Chrizine is an epitome of our passion, An illustration of our inner potentials, A parable of our unbridled passion for excellence, A symbol of our thriving imaginations, A legacy of our unwavering ventures, And above all, Chrizine is candid memories pressed between pages! As you flip through these pages, you are sure to reminisce the firm convictions of every Christite: We are but at our peak in talents and abilities, Lovingly nurtured under the vision of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Cared and Fostered by the gifted, talented and qualified faculty. We are a mighty army, aflamed with immense desire to excellence, And our desire for excellence cannot be inundated in the waters of complacency!

INDEX 03 Voice Page 02 04 Features Expressions Page Page 01 05 India at a Glimpse Thoughts Page Page

NATIONAL ANTHEM Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jay He Bharata Bhagya Vidhata Panjab Sindhu Gujarat Maratha Dravida Utkala Banga Vindhya Himachal Yamuna Ganga Uchchala Jaladhi Taranga Tava Subha Name Jaage Tave Subha Aashish Mange Gaahe Tava Jay Gaatha Jana Gana Mangal Daayak Jay He Bharat Bhagya Vidhata Jay he Jay he Jay he

VANDE MATARAM Vande mataram, vande mataram Suhasini sumadhur bhashini Vande mataram, vande mataram Sukhdam vardam mataram Sujlaam sufaam malyaj sheetlam Saptkoti kunth kal kal ninaad karle Shasya shyamlam mataram vande Nisaptkoti bhujairdhut khar karwale Sujlaam sufaam malyaj sheetlam Saptkoti kunth kal kal ninaad karle Shasya shyamlam mataram vande Nisaptkoti bhujairdhut khar karwale Vande mataram, vande mataram Ke bole maa tumhi bole Shubh jyotsana pulkit yaamini Bahubal dhaarini namaami taarini Phulla kusumita drumadal shobhini Ripudal vaarini mataram Shubh jyotsana pulkit yaamini Vande mataram, vande mataram Phulla kusumita drumadul shobhini Vande mataram, vande mataram

TEAM Special Edition 2022 Dr. Ajay Kumar Dr. Deepak B J Dr. Indumathi S Faculty Co-ordinator Faculty Co-ordinator Faculty Co-ordinator Agni Tejas Varnikha Shekar Nidhi Premkumar Chandrika Amarnath Student Co-ordinator Student Co-ordinator Editorial Head Documentation Head Design Head NL Shrinidhi Samridhi Chhabra Unnati Joshi Swastika Kanade Steven Robert Agam Jain Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Designer Vishal Poonai Sakshi Gupta Anwesha B Purvang Selani Naina Gupta Jikhi J Designer Designer Designer Documentarian Documentarian Documentarian

EDITORIAL NOTE It’s hard to believe that hardly six “How can we become better?” We the volunteers of Team Chrizine months back, the idea of Chrizine wanted to hear from the Christite have given their heart and soul to was a mere thought, but now that community, and you delivered. ensure that this edition is as suc- we’ve created, not one, but three cessful, if not more, as the last. editions of it, it feels like we have Every individual who is a part achieved a true milestone in this ex- of this Institute is doubtless the It would be remiss of me to perience. brightest of the brightest, and it not acknowledge the efforts of each would be a shame to not take the and every individual whose unend- The Independence Day edi- opportunities we have to hear the ing support and efforts have gotten tion of Chrizine was a truly inspired most diverse voices that we can. us here today, from the Student concept. With India celebrating its What better way to ponder the de- Coordinators and the volunteers of 75th year of independence, we felt velopment of our country than to Team Chrizine to the faculty coordi- it to be extremely important that we hear as many opinions as we can, nators and of course, our esteemed all took a minute to pause and look from every corner of India possible? Director, Dr Fr Biju K C and our back on where the last three quar- Dean, Dr Jyothi Kumar. ters of a century of freedom has Have no doubt, this edition gotten us. India has certainly pro- you see before you today has been Thank you all, for making our gressed by leaps and bounds since a long time in the making. From vision of this Independence Day 1947, but we also wanted to ask, countless draft revisions to be made edition of Chrizine a successful re- and sleepless nights spent working, ality.

HOW TO READ THIS BOOK Team Chrizine is proud to bring to you our first ever special edition on the occasion of India’s 75th year of Independence. Our theme for this edition is Vision 2047 - what do you hope India will have achieved with- in 100 years of Independence? And we got several contributions from the Christite community. From articles, op-eds and poetry to photography, digital art and even a pod- cast, this multimedia magazine has it all. So jump right in, into the world of ideas and creativity, and get inspired!

INDIA At a Glimpse

12 | India at a Glimpse Chrizine | Special Edition 1 IndIniadinanCCuullttuurree “India lives in several centuries at the same time.” -Arundhati Roy

13 | India at a Glimpse Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Indian culture and tradition embraces various languages, religions and regional practices. It is a unique blend of traditions followed across the landscape that complement each other. Indian culture instills in various generations, and cosmopolitan approach to culture is important us values like religious how they express their in this globalised world. This is seen in different tolerance, respecting relationship to their spheres of cultural practices such as attire, our surroundings, being culture. In it’s current cuisine and language. From mixing English honest and having practices, Indian culture with one’s mother tongue to the celebration integrity. Each culture incorporates traditions of Indian festivals while incorporating western carries its values forward from across the world. practices - the examples are endless. This ability through festivals, This is reflected in the to carry forward the traditions of the past folklore, music and way that the youth while embracing new practices is what allows education. Ancient India practices and upholds us to navigate the world while still staying true to was very progressive these traditions, our roots. in its teachings. Our blending elements ancient system of together to create a education sought to practice that allows one nurture various aspects to embrace different of skills. aspects of self. Indian A culture flows culture has always been Image courtesy: macrovector | freepik through time, accepting welcoming of different and rejecting various traditions and this trend new and old practices, is synonymous to the constantly evolving. traditional attitudes And hence, it flows of our people towards through the blood of foreign practices. A

14 | India at a Glimpse Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Indian Cusine A country is defined by its peo- contribution in sports among it could cherish for a long time. It ple. If it wasn’t for Rani Laxmi several individuals who have need not be a remarkable discov- Bai and Bhagat Singh laying contributed in various fields, In- ery or invention but a cleaner and down their lives for the country’s dia wouldn’t be where it stands greener environment, educated Independence, C V Raman and today amongst other nations. population, and safer societies APJ Abdul Kalam’s contribution On this 75th Independence Day, are things that can be achieved towards science and technology, we all should strive towards giv- with the support of everyone. P V Sindhu and Neeraj Chopra’s ing something to the country that Touristic India

15 | India at a Glimpse Chrizine | Special Edition 1 From North to South and elements that make up our rich southern delicacies while still from East to West, India has, Indian cuisine. The influence of enjoying good food from your throughout these years, em- one’s regional culture and cui- state and the rest of India. Such braced its long-standing culture sine has, to a large extent, devel- is the beautiful tradition of Indi- and traditions. The once-exotic oped its taste and desire in other an Cuisine which binds people ingredients brought in through parts of India. You could travel from all across the country in a trade routes and foreigners vis- from the south to the north and very tongue-tingling and unique iting India have now become key still find restaurants serving way! People of India Namaste, this is Incredible In- Goa with music, food and rum, of Odisha. Explore the countless Image courtesy: macrovector | freepik dia! It is a cornucopia of culture, or a chance to connect with your markets of Delhi in a rickshaw. heritage and food. There’s magic spirit in the temples of Kanchi- Take a fresh breath of life atop the in every corner; each nook and puram. Experience royalty in icy peaks of Ladakh to Arunachal cranny is bound to satiate your Rajasthan, get mystified in the Pradesh. Witness the Wagah-At- wanderlust. You can take a walk ‘City of Dreams’; Mumbai and its tari border ceremony, spin the across the Living Root Bridges maya. Travel back in time to the charkha in Gujarat with the best in Meghalaya, raft down the pe- Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi of company. rennial rivers after scaling the and Andhra Pradesh. Spot some Inevitably, you shall warble ‘In- Himalayas. How about a party in Olive Ridley turtles on the shores credible India!’, in symphony.

Features

17 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 India at 100 A DREAM Since its independence in 1947, rest of the world is climate change. concern, especially in the domain India has emerged as one of the In order to emerge victorious in of womens’ rights - must be crimi- largest democracies in the world, a this combat, India can follow the nalised in the country. The govern- leading global power, and a rapidly footsteps of nations such as Cana- ment also has a responsibility to developing economy. As we cele- da and Rwanda which have placed improve the standards of living of brate 75 years of independence, it a ban on single-use plastics. Long- the citizens by improving access to is time to conceive a vision for the term plans are redundant as this education, basic amenities and job future of the nation. As The Mint predicament requires current ac- opportunities, which are currently reports in 2022, the Indian gov- tion. According to the 2022 Envi- deficient for the masses. ernment has formulated a plan, ronment Performance Index (EPI), ‘India@2047’ to bring us closer to India ranked lowest among 180 Today, India prides itself on a developed nation by our 100th countries in terms of enforcing cli- being the world’s largest democ- year of independence. The main mate laws. The focus should be on racy. In order for India to achieve domains chosen for the develop- achievable short-term goals and ef- the aforementioned resolutions, ment plan include agriculture, de- fective implementation of statutes. it is imperative that it upholds the fence, technology, industry, and pillars of democracy. Above all, infrastructure. Additionally, there Advancing on the social front by 2047, our democracy must not are several goals - from legalising is an essential aspect of a devel- become a faint reminder of what gay marriage to reforming its in- oped nation. In this regard, India India used to be, but rather a cel- stitutions - that India is required to must legalise same-sex marriage by ebration of what it achieve by 2047. 2047. This will be a crucial step in continues to be. the direction of LGBTQ+ rights and The first and foremost threat human rights. Furthermore, mari- Jane Caryn Thomas that the nation faces along with the tal rape - one of the major issues of

18 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 The Rush To Move Abroad Cassandra Carvalho Relatives are perennially prodding otic politics and erratic develop- tutions that foster creative thinking. Image courtesy: macrovector | freepik and questioning about my educa- ment. Corruption and defections, Art inspires the mind, science tion; “Will you go abroad for Mas- name-calling and scams. Through- ters?” The stunning realization that out the years, no matter the party, uses that inspiration. We need to I am expected to leave a country that the Indian government has been revamp the meaning of education has nurtured me, heightened when stained with the reputation of being to an amalgamation of the creative a respected intellectual mocked me crass Indian barbarians, living up to arts and sciences. Think tanks, for being an ‘idealist’, since there the image of us painted by the Brit- brainstorming festivals, schools for was ‘no hope for progress in the ish colonial paternalist and oriental- ergonomics, intellectual tourism… country given the way things are go- ist ideologies. There exists a dearth The strategies are endless. India has ing.’ of intellectual resolve and commit- the 4th highest number of scientific ted professionalism. publications globally, yet the biggest Why has India attained this lev- American conglomerates are run by el of shame and disrespect from its The answer to this problem is Indians. As we gear up for a future own citizens? On the educational harnessing the country’s intellectual predicted by science-fiction films, front, our subcontinent has domi- capital. We need incentives to make we must implement new princi- nated history, right from Aryabhatta the future talent and brains of this ples and methodologies, to utilize to Nalanda, but today, our youth are nation stay, and lure the current the potential we already have. As pursuing degrees overseas, without emigrants back. This is where public H.G.Wells rightly put, ‘Human his- plans of returning. private partnerships, and govern- tory becomes more and more a race ment initiatives can establish insti- between education and catastrophe.’ Then there’s the aspect of cha-

19 | Features Why not “SHE“? From a span unknown the term ‘woman’ feels and opinions A woman Image courtesy: freepik in the long-term history, like more of an unsafe and they will should women have always been voyage of ups and downs be set free to satirically well objecti- created by our societal make their own enjoy her fied to curb themselves norms, yet women have decisions at ev- equal status to the household chores. never taken a step back ery point of life. However, the problem when it has come to their in this is not about performing self-respect and rights. Now to the imme- democratic those chores, neverthe- 100 years from now, I diate end, women will country but less, the question pokes can stand still and see feel more of a com- also fight up as to why not with the where the term “her” forting way to safety. for what is equal status. gathers me towards. I The upcoming 100 years right and not only see a good team of independence will set take a stand My vision for an ide- of women out there in women free of the con- for herself al India in the year 2047 every possible sector at straint of constructs that against acts when it celebrates its 100 each position but I see a society has laid down on of domestic years of complete inde- lot of them fighting for them from variable pe- pendence is not only that their rights and against riods of time. Then will violence. a woman should enjoy every ill deed they have independence be more her equal status in this been brought forward of a metaphorical term democratic country but to. They will be making where the subdued inde- also fight for what is right their own way of living pendence will mark the and take a stand for her- and rejoicing in equal up-forth rights and safe- self against the ruthless status with equal duties ty for women? acts of domestic violence. with men. No one would With the increasing rate be questing them about Vaishnavi of rapes and domestic vi- their personal choices Singh olence against a woman,

20 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 India into the Future I remember sitting in my 10th ple living in foreign countries have by Anushka Rao standard social studies class and the on us. teacher talking about globalization been vastly different from that of and one of the points that stuck out India’s history makes her differ- to me was when she talked about their governments. We have been ent from the western nations and how India within a few years would we do not need to conform to the transform into a superpower in the blamed for almost everything that western idea of development, we world with immense power and can do that at our own pace. We control over a large part of whatev- could be possibly wrong, but they need a nation where there is peace er happens around the world. This and harmony, but people can still thought fascinated me, because for often forget the history that has stand up for their rights. We need years we have heard things about a nation where the government lis- India that is not something we been a part of India and how it has tens to its people and does what is could be proud of. best for the nation. We need a na- marred its development or possi- tion for the angry-young Vijay, we India has always been seen as a need a safe country for the women second or third world country with bility of her being a developed na- to live freely without hiding. We no amenities and development. need a nation that is proud of its We have been treated as a country tion. If we had never been invaded culture and does not bash it. We that has got everything wrong. At need a nation that is not utopia, but the federal level, amongst govern- or colonized, perhaps our history a reality. ments, India has been seen as a gi- ant but the sentiments of the peo- would have been much, much dif- ferent. But now, the reality of India is different and that is exactly what she and we need to fight. We need to get over the brand of a coun- try that is not livable. We need a country that has development, but it need not be of the kind of the western nation that everyone tries to impose Image courtesy: freepik Scan here to read more

21 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Is there REAL DEVELOPMENT around us? Image courtesy: indianexpress The above sentence might be a nation. We have all learned our Minister, or when India had geared little hard to grasp but I am sure history lessons and how the coun- up to become the world fifth-larg- if you read it twice you will get try got its independence from the est economy. the essence of it. Development is British but we never talk about something that many of us strive to how the country has actually grown On national television, special- achieve every day and the road to- since independence. In this article, ists may be seen discussing the wards development, be it mental or I wish to explore a little about the topic of India’s progress on a dai- physical is quite tough. Our coun- way our country has developed. ly basis. They accuse the present try is also trying to develop since administration of ruining the na- the time of independence and with Since Independence, we have tion, but I will disprove all of those many snags along the way India is not been a very fast paced country experts today with just one point: still continuing along the path of to pick up the development after the communication. development. Britishers left us. Television came in the early 1970s and the commu- By Dipankar Ray Every year during the Indepen- nication technology had started dence Day speech the Prime Min- developing a lot later but the case Scan here to read more ister talks about the development had changed after India took a few that the country has made in one giant leaps such as the signing of its year. This year will mark the 75th first nuclear deal during the time of Independence Day for our great Dr Manmohan Singh as the Prime

22 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Women, Men and SEXISM Image courtesy: freepik In a usual scenario of a household, between men and women. Every nessed everywhere, is again a tough the man reads his newspaper, eats work can be done by all. With this question to answer. According to the breakfast served, leaves for of- understanding the child can create sexism a good woman is someone fice and returns. Guess what?! He is a better environment for tomorrow who works for the household and done for the day. On the other hand that has no sexism. We ourselves a good man is someone who earns the women, cooks food, washes would have been the victims of sex- and stays manly. But this is not the vessels, cleans the house and after ism. Therefore it is in our hands definition. Be it a woman, be it a all this she is done for the day. Men that we do not repeat the same mis- man, its their choice and responsi- and women live in the same house. take tomorrow. bility. But getting done for the day is dif- ferent for both. To highlight another point sex- So, what do we do for sexism? ism is also faced by most men. Men The key is to fight together. The This brings us to the concept of are always told to man up, not cry world has overcome a lot of wars sexism that men and women have as it shows their weakness, not do and revolutions by fighting togeth- to go through everyday. Why is it household chores as it it’s the duty er. Then why would it not fight always the women’s responsibility of the women. We still stick to such sexism? Inculcating children from to clean and cook for the house- old age traditions even though their childhood, teaching them all hold? Why is it always the women there has been a wide range of im- kinds of work with no difference, all who have to ask permission of the provements in the modern age. To this would make the world a place men in the house? These questions highlight on the positive side there we desire. An important thing is are the need of the hour. It is very are some men who help women by that change begins at home. important for a child to under- sharing half the responsibilities stand that, work has no difference of the house. But can this be wit- Janani bhaskar

23 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 SELF RELIANT INDIA In all Sector at 2047 by P Aravind Image courtesy: freepik My first desire is that India should duce electricity). If energy is pro- ments deficit, promote employ- become self-reliant in all sectors. duced by solar, it will help achieve ment and exports too. India was We shouldnt depend on other zero carbon emissions. Another the second largest importer of de- countries. India has all types of way of producing energy is nucle- fence equipment, just behind Sau- resources, therefore all countries ar, but we need to join the Nuclear di Arabia in 2019; according to the should depend on India. I will take Supplier Group.Only then can we Stockholm International Peace Re- some sectors for example. The first produce and export nuclear related search Institute. If India achieves a one is solar production in India. We material. state of self-reliance, we wouldn’t are both; capital and labour inten- need to depend on other countries sive, hence we can easily produce Second one is the defence sec- for imports. solar energy. India ranks third in tor. Now, India’s self-reliance in Asia and fifth in the world in terms defence is important for our eco- Self-reliance is also import- of solar power production. If we nomic growth. It will help achieve ant because we can solve problems utilise this solar production, we can the goal of a 5 trillion economy in and make decisions by ourselves. export the solar energy equipment 2025. If India becomes self-reliant to other countries, so that we do in the defence sector, it will reduce Scan here to read more not depend on coal imports (coal is the dependency on foreign players an important raw material to pro- and ensure security of the nation. It will reduce the balance of pay-

24 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 India at 2047 CANNOT be Routine, It should be Watershed: P M Modi India is famous for its unique iden-Image courtesy: vectomart | Bigstock.comrather than import. India must beConstitution, we still fall for many tity i.e., Unity in Diversity. India is corruption free, it should be 100% social evils. Hence the Article 44- young and the fastest developing digital with 100% literacy in all the Uniform Civil Code is included in country. As we all know, India got states, schemes and programmes the Indian Constitution, to ensure independence on 15th August 1947. must be implemented to achieve common laws to all citizens. Res- Our freedom fighters fought for this, because education plays a ervation should be based on merit the country and lost their lives in list rather than reservation based making India independent. India very important role, it’s a weapon on caste. is about to complete it’s 100 years. against all odds. India must be free from poverty, unemployment, so- Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, former India is currently the 5th largest cial evils etc. Every girl who walks president of India, also known as economy in the world, with $3.12 on the street must be safe. people’s president visualised In- trillion in 2022. Estimation shows dia. His biggest vision was PURA- that India will surpass Japan as My greatest vision for India in Providing Urban amenities in Ru- the 2nd largest economy in Asia by 2047 is to be completely secular. ral Areas. India will be developed 2030. Though the word secular is in- when villages will develop. All the cluded in Preamble of the Indian necessary infrastructure should be INDIA SHOULD BE COUNTRY OF provided in both urban and rural OPPORTUNITIES, RESOURCES SAYS THE areas only then everything will fol- low automatically and our vision INDIAN PRESIDENT of India as a developed country will be achieved. My vision for India in 2047 is to be Self-reliant, Make in India pro- by Manasa R grams must be initiated in all the states, to be less dependent on oth- er countries, and focus on export

25 | Features Ending Reservation System in India Before 2047 “It is the education which is the right weapon to cut the social slavery and It is the education which will enlighten the downtrodden masses.” - Dr. B R Ambedkar Image courtesy: pinterest The X factor of people being against of caste- based reservation we can egory students many at times don’t Image courtesy: wrytin.com the scheme is- someone who today bring in PUI (post upliftment iden- even finish their schooling till 10th isn’t being discriminated against tification) policy. The policy states- grade, the reserved seats in colleges on the basis of their caste getting Individuals who got reservation end up getting filled with students a quota to enter an institution with because they belonged to commu- with low marks (5-6%). Of 31 mil- marks much lesser than someone, nities which have been discriminat- lion enterprises nearly 12 percent who doesn’t have a quota but does ed against, would now be identified were owned by SC/STs and 33 have very good marks (say 95%). and tested for financial and social percent by OBCs. Hence, the as- improvement. If they’ve annual in- sumption that weaker sections are Paradoxically, we also know it come of more than INR 9,60,000, only suppressed employees may is impossible to completely dis- it would be understood that the not be correct. The PUI policy will mantle the reservation system as a reservation aid provided to them be able to counter such arguments whole, so to counter the drawbacks has done its course and the family against reservation and not end it is now financially and socially es- as a whole instead amend the res- tablished enough and their wards ervation policy to benefit the popu- will no longer get reservation aid. lation which actually deserves it in these changed times. The Government instead of strengthening the education sys- Manav Bhatnagar Scan here to read more tem at the primary and secondary level is concentrating in giving more reservation at the tertiary level and because the reserved cat-

26 | Features The Greatest Asset of India by P Aravind Image courtesy: freepik | Upklyak Younger people are the greatest positive and negative. Hence the on these students. Education can asset of India, therefore we must Indian government should form a change anything. My main desire provide them with good education, council to decide which one is posi- is that India must be self-reliant in infrastructure, food and environ- tive and which one is negative. Stu- 2047 and this self-reliance depends ment. My first suggestion is that dents have to take risks then only on the kind of education we give to students should learn about pol- they can grow because students in the students. Younger people are itics, because when the politician their comfort zone cannot achieve tomorrow’s innovators, creators, is good, only then will the govern- much. This pandemic has forced builders and leaders. India today ment be good. Education is on the many students to discontinue their is one of the youngest nations in concurrent list, so the state govern- education and forced them into the world with more than 62% of ment and central government do other activities like child marriage. its population in the working age not have a mutual understanding. group (15-59 years) and more than My second suggestion is that the We need to focus on these evils 54% of its total population below 25 Indian government should amend and recover such students and give years of age. In 2047 India should the constitution to add education to back their education. India is an in- become self-reliant in all sectors the central list. The education de- dependent nation. What you want and have the best economy in the partment must introduce Newspa- to do for nation growth, just do it. world. It depends on how we build per reading and current affairs as a The Indian government and edu- the students’ education. While new subject, only then can students cation department needs to give I am not saying education is the link the subject knowledge and cur- full support to education. Now only method to make the students rent affairs. Nowadays students’ UGC has approved dual degrees. self-reliant, it is definitely one type mindset has changed due to the Those who are currently studying of way to achieve self-reliance. internet revolution, which is both in 10th,11th,12th, are the leaders of 2047, hence we need to focus

27 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Is India Truly Independent? Image courtesy: freepik India has been an independent are introduced should be imple- no one is poor and no one sleeps country since 75 years. On 15th Au- mented also. the rich should not hungry. There’s no violence, no gust, 2022, India will celebrate it’s be getting richer only day by day, corruption, and no poverty. There 75th year of Independence. Have and wealth should be equally dis- are good, accessible medical facili- you ever thought about A Free In- tributed. India is still a develop- ties for all. Animals are not treat- dia? Is India really independent? ing nation even after 75 years of ed badly. There’s equality between A free country is where people are its independence and it’ll still take men and women. All the families free to share their views and their many years if we continue to pro- live together happily. And I believe opinions without the fear of being mote violence and corruption for it that all of it can be brought into the judged or harmed by political par- to become a developed country. I real world in today’s present time ties. A free country is where a jour- respect the struggles that freedom if all of us join hands. When In- nalist can reach to any area of the fighters have gone through to en- dia becomes the one in my dream country and each and every news sure that we are currently free to world, I would then say, “My In- channel is free to talk in favour as go anywhere we want without the dia is truly independent.” Let’s well as against the ruling political fear of being shot dead, but still a get together and bring party. A free country is where no lot of issues exist which hinder our a change. With this girl is afraid to go out at night or freedom indirectly. hope, I conclude without a single thought, can take here. her life’s decisions on her own, I would now like to take you without the need for feminism to guys to ‘My Dream World’. I wel- take stand on her behalf. Equal come you to my dream world. A world full of LLL- Love, Life & rights must be Laughter. A world where all will live given to both life to the fullest without any pain men and wom- and worries. A world in which you, en. The various me & everybody have wide smiles Kriti Aggarwal schemes that on their faces. In my dream world,

Chrizine | Special Edition 1 P Of India in 2047 ual interests or orientation, that those conditions. The system that R they are forced to hide their real we live in should change for the I India got its independence 75 selves for years and be in a forced better. Educational institutions, D years back, but are Indians still relationship that their body government forms, and legal E free? Are Indian minds willing to doesn’t allow. Some people gath- documents should have “Parent accept people the way they are? er the courage to tell their fami- Name” rather than Father’s name Questions like these come up in lies and in return, all that they get Or Mother’s Name, because even the minds of more than a million is a negative response and regret a same sex couple has equal Indians every single day. India for the rest of their lives. Some rights to be parents and bringing is known for its diverse culture families consider it to be a men- up a child as beautifully as any and respect for all communities tal illness and opt for treatment. other couple. On the positive side and traditions. If that is the case India needs to understand that we also see a lot of change and ac- then why isn’t Pride celebrated humans are born with their own ceptance happening around the like Diwali, Lohri, Christmas or sexual orientation, and it is not country, but we still have a long Eid? Why is a gay person some- something that can be influenced way to go. As India steps closer one’s ‘gay child’ and not just their or put into somebody by force. It to its 100th Independence, let’s child alone? India is a country is as basic as being born as a left together change the way India that is still very backward in their hander or a right hander. Today, thinks. Let’s teach our genera- practices towards the LGBTQIA+ we see transgenders begging on tions to be more accepting, to be community. The community is the streets and we blame them more respectful and most impor- not only unaccepted, but also de- for their lives being this way. But tantly to have the right thinking. graded in the country. A person if we look at it, we are the rea- is judged so much for their sex- son they live that life. We don’t Reha Lakhi provide them with job opportu- nities and force them to work in

29 | Features CChhrirzizininee | | SSppeecciaial lEEdditiitoionn11 Dalit lives 75 years on Contrary to popular belief, the A DOSSIER Matter’ movement in memory country we live in does not of George Floyd, another move- smell of unity and freedom. We ment, ‘Dalit Lives Matter’ has all are drowning in the invisi- emerged in India. ble waters of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and The movement isn’t the undeniable power of caste against the upper-class peo- system that lies within our so- ple or people in general, it is ciety. The amount of power against the deep-rooted values that the caste system holds, that are carried by them that was displayed in September affect the sanity of the people 2020, when a nineteen-year- around them. old Dalit woman was brutally subjected to rape by four up- Even though science and per-class men in Hathras, Ut- scientists have confirmed that tar Pradesh. The case and its all humans have red blood, the subsequent handling received worth of individuals is still de- widespread media attention. termined on the basis of their Though the practice of upper race, gender, sex and sexual caste people not touching any- orientation, whether one likes thing that has come into phys- it or not. It can only be verified ical contact by the Dalits is when we take the responsibility outlawed, the 3,000-year-old to question every single activity history of caste prejudice is re- around us and determine how flected even today. Taking in- they affect the society because spiration from the ‘Black Lives only in this way can we feel a sense of amnesty. Safney S

30 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Me Before You ? by Ahana Bannerjee On the occasion of India’s 75th In- Some others do find love else- that you should have done some- Image courtesy: freepik | rawpixel dependence day…let us celebrate where but the love stays unrecog- thing about it. Life is too short to love. For our country, for our nized. have regrets. Do what you want. fellow citizens…and most impor- Live as you want. Feel what you tantly…for ourselves. Is the institution of mar- want. Love who you wish to be riage merely an eyewash? A ‘so- because, in the end, happiness People fall in love every cially approved sexual union’ should matter. Don’t let societal day. Every single day someone would result in inducing basic constraints restrict it. Norms can gets married. The concept of mar- reproduction but cannot clear- be amended. riage has been prevalent through- ly guarantee love or happy mar- out history. Manusmriti recog- riages. People spend their entire The world is indeed not a nizes arranged marriages as a lives looking for love only to dis- wish-granting factory and life is socially acceptable form of union. cover they waste most of their not a fairytale…but once you re- However, what happens after lives chasing an idea of ‘perfect’ alize Dumbledore was right you that does not actually exist. Be cannot stop feel- this is clearly a blur. the change we want to see in the ing that truly, Some lucky ones world they say… ‘happiness can find love within be found even in the married What is a world without the darkest of partner, or love? When you go to your garden times…if one perhaps they and see a flower in bloom can you only remem- do find love just enjoy its beauty, presence, bers to turn on because they and fragrance and not judge how the light’. do not have asymmetrical it is? an option to look for love So go ahead and confess elsewhere. before your hair turns grey or you spend forty years only to realize

31 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Sapta Sindhu, Jumbudvipa, Nabhi- A country where students study the India that mourns the disgrace varsha, Bhārata, Aryavarta, Hindu- of its daughters with eyes blaz- stan, Bharat, India- The land where only with the aim of working over- ing in rage. It still is the India of we fold our hands in respect, for we the courageous, the ones who as- believe no individual is bigger or seas and settling there? A country pire to be different. It still is India smaller than us. As Mark Twain that stands united as one, the one famously said, “The cradle of the where one is taught to find a job, where motherland take precedence human race, the mother of history, above all. It is still of those Sand- the grandmother of legend, and the but not to question? A country eep Unikrishanan, Vikram Barta, great grandmother of tradition.” Avani Chaturvedi, Kiran Mazum- The land whose stake in the world where the women fear going out at dar-Shaw and many more. GDP was more than 32.9 percent. The land of those who knew infini- night, where they have to look be- It’s just hidden. Hidden by the ty, the land of the peaceful, the land forgetfulness that has been bred of the valiant. hind their shoulder every time they into us. The India of today is hid- den beneath it all within each of us. That was the India of yesterday, set out. what is the India of today? A nation And India of tomorrow is an governed by politicians whose only India who for the quest for pow- India that has broken free of these aim is how to win the next election? shackles that have made it forget A nation whose students are dying? er has forgotten the blood and tears what it means to be an Indian, to A country whose farmers are be- reawaken the spirit of India to un- ing forced to take their own lives? of its predecessors that shaped this derstand the fibers of what makes India, India. great nation? Isn’t that the India of today? Is that all India of today? No. India still is the country of the people who strive together for a better tomorrow, it is still the na- tion where the question of ‘why’ is asked, a country where questions that deserve to be heard are still raised, it still is INDIA Abhishek Biju Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

32 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Bhishmapitama of Indian Politics by Patrick G During school days Sharad Pawar Kingmaker in Maharashtra when clared in Maharashtra. But there made his way in politics, today even Congress fell short of majority. was a twist in the story, on 23rd in his 80s he is still holding the November early morning Devendra ground. At the age of 27 Pawar was After twenty years Pawar again Fadnavis took oath as CM and Ajit elected MLA from Baramati and pulled the rabbit out the hat and Pawar as DY CM, this formation at 38 he became youngest CM of brought down Modi-Shah. On 24 also questioned BJP if they have Maharashtra after bringing down October 2019 Maharashtra results any morals because they formed a Congress in 1977. In 1999 Pawar were out 145 was the majority Government with those whom they left Congress and formed Nation- mark; BJP had 105 seats, Sena 56, criticized. alist Congress Party (NCP) how- NCP 54, Congress 44 and 29 inde- ever in October 1999 Pawar again pendent leaders. BJP & Sena were Pawar played his game and on in alliance but this alliance didn’t 26th November BJP surrendered proved to be last as Sena claimed they had a and Ajit Pawar returned back. Fi- 50-50 strategy for CM seat sharing nally on 28th Uddhav Balasaheb with BJP, this brought Sena-NCP Thackeray took the oath as CM of Maharashtra. Sharad Pawar again & Congress into an “Unnatural proved how he is the “Master of Alliance”. Masterstroke’. Today when Se- When BJP was invit- na-NCP-Congress fell due to the ed by the Governor to rebel leader Eknath Shinde., we form Government they are yet to see Pawar magic because denied, later Shiv Sena only time will tell which googlies accepted to form Gov- Pawar is yet to deliver. ernment. However there was an imbalance in the State and for several days there was a Presidential rule de-

33 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Faith in our Nation The way of life Surabhi B Image courtesy: upklyak | freepik India is a vast, democratic and di- tations.” says Brian Tracy. Social hence people’s attitude determines verse country. It is vibrant in its issues are interlinked to the beliefs the country’s future. The perspec- culture, tradition, and heritage. and mindset of the people. Attitude tive toward the problem must be The value system in India has been influences the decisions related to diverted and viewed from a bird’s a significant part of civilizations relationships, careers, and other eye, which might lead to immense since time immemorial. Each coun- activities in life. A person’s trials possibilities of solving the issue. try has its own set of principles, are based on their attitude. To lead Perspective is an ideology that re- morals, and beliefs. Each person’s a peaceful life, it is essential to in- mains dynamic and can be altered perspective and outlook on life are culcate values such as passion, op- through observations and experi- distinct. A country’s progress en- timism, integrity, respect, and so ences in life. The vision for India tirely depends on its people. Atti- on. It is vital to make a career that @ 2047 should focus on values and tude is the way a person thinks, be- your inner self is passionate about, beliefs. Optimism helps to build re- haves, or feels. A person’s attitude as: “What is relevant today may not lations, whereas pessimism breaks determines the way of life. These be relevant tomorrow.”. The work terms seem insignificant compared done with complete satisfaction ties. Attitude makes to worldly comforts in today’s busy leads to productivity and success or ruins life. world. It is crucial to understand in life. The rigid mindset of people that values are an inseparable part in India must be substituted with of our lives and the ones that build a growth mindset to change our lives. society. “Your attitude is an expression As stated earlier, of your values, beliefs, and expec- people make a country;

Chrizine | Special Edition 1 VISION FOR AN INCLUSIVE INDIAN ARMY Image courtesy: freepik The 6th of September 2018 saw ination is nevertheless an unan- Chief General Bipin Rawat’s words, a groundbreaking verdict in the swered question. Almost 4 years homosexuality is not welcome and form of ruling Section 377 uncon- past the verdict, there is broad con- is instead condemned in the con- stitutional, thereby legalizing ho- sensus that the queer community fines of the armed forces. Individ- mosexuality and queer represen- still faces a great deal of prejudice, uals from the queer community are tations in India. It was a colourful resentment from family, lack of ac- banned from openly serving in any day - a rainbow-coloured one - for ceptance by society and bullying of position in the armed forces. Bip- every soul that had been shamed, all sorts. One of the many ways the in Rawat’s stance on homosexual- trampled upon and discriminated legalization of homosexuality has ity flies in the face of the Supreme against for who they are. not found its fruition is in its inabil- Court’s verdict on the abolishment ity to seek acceptance in the armed of Section 377. It was a victory of love but wheth- forces. The victory of love is de- er or not this has ultimately helped terred from finding its place in the the queer community to break the love of our country. In Indian Army shackles of prejudice and discrim- Vishal V P Scan here to read more

35 | Features Chrizine | Special Edition 1 THE PANDEMIC! A Paradigm Shift by Spoorthy Ramesh Image courtesy: freepik Since the pandemic, the world The emergence of coronavirus driven people into survival mode has seen a lot of change, includ- forced us to stay indoors and spend to earn a living, disrupting people’s ing many people’s behaviour. The time with our families. People with peace of mind. Eventually, a person pandemic made us lose our routine dysfunctional families with a gap who’s not peaceful becomes selfish and retreat to home life without of understanding between parents and insensitive to his fellow hu- external exposure for long periods and children have caused many un- mans, destroying and putting down of time, which is the reason why necessary fights and anger build- anyone and everyone for their own many people, now more than ever, ups, leading to a wave of depres- personal gain. Thus, the pandem- are suffering from depression and sion for many. The need to survive ic has caused a disruption in the the longer the pandemic lasts the has made many companies com- humanitarian aspect of the world more severe effects it has had on pete with others ruthlessly in a self- and caused insecurity, jealousy our mental health. With such frag- ish manner while trying to survive and greed to skyrocket and create ile mental health not being taken in the market. This pandemic has a conception that they’re running care of properly, an abrupt end to out of time to build the life they the pandemic and consequently wanted. Thus, many mental health resorting to everyday functioning issues are present in today’s gener- lives have led to a lot of stress and ation, and for that to be averted, we brought a sudden toll on our men- need to start spreading awareness, tal health. On the other hand, oth- positivity and love to ensure that ers still believe that the pandemic the future of India isn’t under the has ruined their lives and that they control of leaders who themselves find it mentally hard to recover have mental health issues. from long periods of unproductiv- ity.

Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Voices

37 | Voice GUN-JAB THE GROWING GUN VIOLENCE OF PUNJAB Image courtesy: freepik Arms and ammunition in children’s industry, which glorifies ammuni- leges then to gang wars which may hands is the worst nightmare of tions as the necessity of manhood now explain how gun culture made any democratic state, and the same in society. Imagine your child sing- Sidhu moose wala his own victim. is true in the land of 5-rivers, Pun- ing songs about guns and watching The scenario is getting worse dai- jab. Since the 1990s, the beginning ly, and we all need to realise how of the after-effects of the Punjab movies about ‘Leadergiri’ in the all of it started and how it needs to insurgency, the state witnessed an area, the plot revolving around gun be stopped. Maybe that child could overexposure to trade and usage of use. It will lead to social media sto- have listened to different cultur- guns. From the beginning, the state ries and posts about holding guns al songs. Perhaps that child could feeding the nation has now started and going on a photo shoot. have followed other social media providing themselves with revolv- trends and could have followed role ers and double barrel guns instead This easy access to guns in models without any photoshoots of of hoes, rakes and threshers. the state can make it the first weap- AK-47s. on anyone, especially youngsters, As of now, in 2022, the sit- can use in a critical situation. This Maybe someday, another uation has just worsened. The then leads to super groupism in col- mother won’t cry, and another fa- recent brutal murder of Punjabi ther won’t go for his own child’s singer Shubhpreet Singh aka’ Sid- cremation. Perhaps a father would hu Moose Wala, is not just a de- not have to remove his turban in piction of gang wars in Punjab; it’s front of people. more than that, far more than that. As films are always the reflection of society, the same is true in the case of Punjabi films and the music Ananya Sharma

38 | Voice Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Akhanda Bharata 2047 The country that lies north of the Well, I have a similar question. sivist foreign domination starting Image courtesy: freepik ocean and south of the Himalaya While those debates are centered with the capture of Sindh by Islam- is called Bharata, there dwell the around the ideas of a welfare state ic/Arabic forces. Fast forward to descendants of Bharata, says the or civil and political freedom, my 2022, fragments of this 8000 years ancient text of Vishnu Purana. The concerns are purely civilizational. old civilization are under the custo- year 2047 would mark 100 years of dy of the SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST independence of this Bharata from The year 2047 would not mark SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUB- British imperialism, after two cen- 100 years of independence alone, LIC Of INDIA. I wonder what will turies of colonialism and a centu- it would also mark 1400 years of be the future of this last surviving ry of direct crown rule. But every the death of Harshavardhana, who major pagan culture, in this most- year, as the Independence Day in my opinion was the last among ly monotheistic world? Will they nears, the debate around “Are we the likes of mighty native rulers face the same fate as the Hindus like Chandragupta and Ashoka (ethno-geographic/civilization- really free?” captures the in- who unified large parts of Bharata al term, not religious) of Sindh, tellectual space. under a single political entity thus Balochistan, Bengal, Afghanistan preventing foreign domination. and Kashmir? A civilisation with its own people against it under the This event was followed by feu- influence of religious fanaticism is dal division of the counting its last days and is plead- most vulnerable ing for help, not from outside but part of Bharata re- from within. sulting in nearly a millennium of incon- sistent but impactful, expansionist and exclu- Surya K L

39 | Voice Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Incredible India The city of Kolkata is a vivid me- munity grew to a peak population Mughal Empire to serve as Merce- tropolis, with millions of people of 20,000, having a long-standing naries and Slaves. The Siddis rose from different cultures and speak- impact not only on the city’s resi- to the ranks of chieftains, minis- ing a multitude of languages calling dents but their culture as well, the ters and rulers of states such as the city their home. Yet, one such most famous being the Indo-Chi- Murud Janjira and Sachin. While community is unique and unlikely nese style of cuisine. Despite this, having African lineage, the current in this case. Hidden behind the vast the population has sharply de- generation has completely mould- tanneries and serpentine roads of clined, especially after the Sino-In- ed itself into the fabric of the local the Tangra neighbourhood, this dian war of 1962, which led to the society, having similar language ethnic group finds itself in a diffi- mass internment of Chinese Indi- and customs, speaking Gujrati and cult place in the city. Tangra is In- ans in POW Camps and their sub- Konkani, and a majority of them dia’s first and only Chinatown and sequent migration out of India. Yet following Hinduism and Sufi Islam. houses the Indo-Chinese commu- a portion of the population stayed The Siddis also reside in the city of nity. The first Chinese immigrants back, claiming their right to reside Hyderabad and the Junagarh-Gir arrived in the town during the 18th in the city they call home. Region of Gujrat. century as traders, handypersons and labourers, back when Kolkata A similar community exists in Sourav Kumar was a significant trading hub for the the Southern state of Karnataka British. Setting up restaurants, tan- as well; the Siddis, descendants of neries and shops, the Chinese com- the Bantu People of Southeast Af- rica, were bought into India by the

Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Expressions

4A1| |EExxppreresssioionnss Let all the Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Opinions be Served The closer to the fields we go, the more rooted we are. The higher we touch the sky, the more empowered we are. The more secure we feel in this world, the more open ideas The more understanding and acknowledged the world is, the more united we are. Everybody’s perception comes in a range of colours, And with a range of colours comes a difference of opinions, Having some views overshadowing the others, Maybe out-of-the-box was never something encouraged altogether, Or perhaps being born to some community is considered to be shunned after all. What if all the voices were encouraged? Would the world be a better place? What if those discrete ideas were brought to the table? Would the ideas of the majority go astray? We could know what everyone thinks. We could interpret where everybody comes from, know how proud we are of being born in this country. Knowing that our voice will be heard by many, Is what truly empowers the nation, filled with Pride. Visalakshy V

Image courtesy: macrovector | freepik 42 | Expressions The Unhistory of Freedom Movement Without knowing History, one cannot predict Future Without knowing History, one cannot practice Present But today to talk about the one known little, I venture Whose glories remain suppressed due to devised History’s resent From Mangal Pandey to Rani Lakshmibai, to Gandhi to Azad to Patel We learn the details and, in their name, we all hail But seldom do we know there are more and more, yet unfound about them They are the subalterns whose stories the storytellers hem They are the unrecognized, they are the alienated But their revolt against the foreign rule was impactful, For in our History textbooks, none of It was stated In the year 1855, the innocent Santhals finally knew that, they were being exploited Their autonomy, economic, political and social had been infringed And so, when they had the revelation, they revolted In the following year, the revolt was suppressed brutally, against the Tribals’ hinge But it did not mean that besides destruction, the revolt meant nothing. Srishti Gautam

A43| |EExxppreresssioionnss Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Kanchi D Jain Freedom from Rape Image courtesy: freepik A 2-year old is a victim of rape, And the 22-year old’s saree gets undraped; Late night jobs are not for you they said, The innocent’s mouth was just covered with a tape. Short dresses are a turn on they say, Well she’s nothing more than just a prey; Why is it so difficult to convey? That everything that comes in their way is not a display. No matter if she’s 2 or 26, For a fox like him she is always a grape; The only thing she wishes is a way to escape, As she’s nothing but a victim of rape. She’s asked to be brave and ignore all the stare, Even when she knows what they really crave? Scared that she might end up in a grave; Always thinking about why the world is so unfair? Her screams when they touch her are countless, Her tears on the way are endless; Is there any public transport that’s safe?

44 | Expressions Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Image courtesy: macrovector | freepik Preaching Censorship by Yatin Arora Books are nothing but tattooed trees Feelings repressed finally freed Some dance with fiction some are based on facts real Some take us on mighty adventures others make us emotional Then why must books be restricted? Then why are daring and brave authors always constricted? Why does the golden land of the Ramayana & Gilgamesh, today threaten, imprison & punish its writers We invite presidents and kings to witness our majestic glory In beautiful parades celebrating 100 years of Independence, an eternal love story But this independence is a facade, a casually cruel trick Those who speak the truth are detained, for the egos of the vain Censor board rush to put down films As parliament passes laws to weaken the freedom to speech Are we then really independent, as the powerful preach?

45 | Expressions Evening Walk by Akanksha Mohapatra The vision of a grove of Kachnar in years. As the two sisters walked and structured, just like everything trees came to Nandini on an ordi- outside, hands linked together, else she had witnessed that day. nary day. She knew instantly that Nandini did not feel much more Despite the fashionable common- the apparition was an intuitive sign, than a child, but a few tendrils of placeness of its appearance, there for she had never seen such a sight white had already appeared in her was one respect in which it stood before. How could she have, living thick black hair. out from the ordinary. Kids were as she did, resigned to hospital life, merrily playing on tire swings care- miles away from being able to even The town had not grown fully fastened to the tree branches. stand upright? Her refuge lay in a older with her. It still seemed like She let out a small gasp as she real- chasm of tediousness interrupted a child in its growth spurt. “That’s ized that they were celebrating the by occasional stories from her gen- what’s left of Shalini Market,” said Raja festival. Traditions had main- erous sister. It was in these stories her sister interrupting her thoughts. tained their sacred spot. Weaves that she had heard about the beau- A 12-year-old Nandini would have of nostalgia cocooned her heart. tiful grove near her parents’ house. never imagined that the centre of “You sure grew up well,” Nandini She would spend listless hours try- her suburban dreams would cease announced after an abundance of ing to picture those seemingly mys- to exist in her little town. Not that it silence, leaving her sister puzzled. tical plants her sister gushed about. was a town anymore. Her 42-year- With scarcely a pause, the sisters She now felt resolute about where old self was not surprised at all. walked back home. she wanted to take her first steps They finally made it to the grove. It was beautiful but fastidiously clean

46 | Expressions Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Humans of Bharat Apartments The air of festivity was unmistak- Draped in a traditional Kan- Mr. Sharma asks about Ary- Image courtesy: freepik able at the banquet hall of Bharat chipuram Silk Saree, Meenakshi an and says, “Where is that hyper- Apartments. With smiles all around was truly a sight to behold. She re- active kid, it just feels like yesterday and scores of people dancing and plied, “We are celebrating our 15th when both of you got him from the singing their hearts out, the joy was wedding anniversary today and you adoption centre, can’t believe eight palpable. still get upset over me being un- years have gone by.” punctual” with a sheepish grin. At the centre of it all stood Just then, Rohan arrived Nafisa, looking gorgeous in her The cute conversation was and greeted both Meenakshi and bridal attire and smiling ear to ear. cut by Mr. Sharma, their neigh- Nafisa with a tight hug. Despite be- She was eagerly awaiting for the bour and the apartment secretary ing 10 years younger than them, he love of her life to join her in the cel- for over 35 years. He said, “My son, considered the two as his friends ebrations. Rohan, will be here any moment, and shared a close bond with them. he just got back from the US yes- They had lived in this apartment Almost as if on cue, Nafisa’s terday night after completing the for close to thirty years. love was walking towards her along shooting of his film.” with a sense with their 10 year-old son, Aryan, of pride in his voice. Mr. Sharma leaves the three who was beaming with excitement. and joins his friends from the bank. Aryan ran to Nafisa and gave her Mr. Sharma then said, “You a tight hug. Nafisa caressed Aryan two look beautiful today, con- Rohan then remarked with and smiled at him. Aryan, then ran gratulations on your anniversary, a sly grin, “Are you guys legit 50 to play with his apartment friends. Meenakshi and Nafisa.” year-olds, y’all don’t look like a day older than twenty.” Nafisa then looked straight The two thank Mr. Sharma. and then with a miffed expression They then say that they are ex- The two exclaimed, “Stop said, “What took you so long?” tremely proud of Rohan. it, Rohan”. Meenakshi then said, “Being flirty at forty, eh, it’s time

47 | Expressions Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Scan here to read more Rohith G

48 | Expressions Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Image courtesy: freepik Our Pride Known for its rich cultures, faiths and festivals Stretches vast across the Indian Ocean, a nation of marvels Our hues, languages and traditions mirror our diversity Our people kind at heart, show amiable hospitality Ingrained with talent, skills, beauty & brains We stand up tall and they know our names With Gandhi, we lit the blazing fire of Independence Dauntless, brave & heroic were our ascendants We have witnessed Chandragupta, Ashoka & Akbar To Mother Teressa, Abdul Kalam & B. R. Ambedkar The number of genes that differ between us is vast But the number of common genes we share, surpass Who doesn’t have disagreements at times? But we rise through it together, that’s prime It is its people that define and enrich the foundation India our pride, our love, our nation. Unnati Joshi

49 | Expressions Chrizine | Special Edition 1 Image courtesy: freepik

Independence Day Special Edition A Media Studies Association Production