Kamala Sarup: India's Independence Day

"This is the Independence of light, when each of us looks with anticipation towards that which is good and wonderful and joyful. Our congratulations to India" says a local Nepali woman Radhika in Kathmandu.

"Indian people, students and workers are in the street celebrating the Independence day. Since some years, economic prospects such as employment, business, investment all are growing in India. I think much of India's development. Her progress, development towards her people and creative talents have really touched and moved me. I always pray for her success," she further added.

India is celebrating its independence day with hoisting of the national flag and parades. India gained freedom from British rule in 1947. Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh said last year "All countries in our region must recognise that terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace and prosperity everywhere. It must be confronted with our united efforts. There is a large constituency for peace and shared prosperity among our people and we must work together to build on that," he said.

A local Nepali teacher Chiranjibi said "democracy, nationalism, politics, and environment are the subject of being more progressive. Only development and democracy can tell the people about the right path that they have known or experienced. What we can do is to watch, observe, enjoy and lead ourselves into the right path on development, freedom and peace. I congratulate to Indian people," he said.

He further stated "I request to all my Indian friends please keep yourself always in comfort. In the world, there is nothing important for you rather than your nation, your identity and your way of life. Please try to keep it always in harmony and joy. Success and failure are the relative terms of human existence and both are equally important to us. It is true that Indian people are able to progress because of spiritual passion. I am really grateful for India Nepal friendship."

"When I heard about terrorism in India and in Nepal, I hardly sleep. I think seriously about the people of both countries. So I suggest people please be strong. I also think, unfortunately, terrorism has been a big threat for our peace and development. It is hard to eliminate terrorism. However we have to be optimist, we will have to discover solution of it by joining hands. Kamala, I am an anarchist, however I respect security and freedom. We people have already developed a powerful self-foundation inside us which surely help us to reach at ourr goal. We are right, we should be optimistic," a Nepali student Bhagwati Thapa told me over the phone.

Said my Indian friend Suchitra, "More about the Democracy and development, sharing our ideas for discussions during the Independence day (sic). Also, we need to highlight the terrorism agenda. What are the major objectives, and what are the strategies to achieve them? I know how deeply we feel the terrible troubles because of terrorism. I am sorry that the situation there is also bad because of terrorism and that we are so sad. Even with the troubles, no matter what, we should be proud of our actions: starting peace is an important undertaking," she said.

"I am really happy that India is celebrating its Independence day. I wish for you and your people, all the best," I also told her.

Nepali Journalist and Story Writer Kamala Sarup associates and writes for http://www.mediaforfreedom.com/. She is specializes in in-depth reporting and writing on peace, anti-war, women, terrorism, democracy, and development. Some of her publications are: Women's Empowerment in South Asia, Nepal (booklets); Prevention of Trafficking in Women Through Media, (book); Efforts to Prevent Trafficking in for Media Activism (media research). She has also written two collections of stories. Sarup's interests include international conflict resolution, cross-cultural communication, philosophy, feminism, political, socio-economic and literature. Her current plans are to move on to humanitarian work in conflict areas in the near future. She also is experienced in organizational and community development. A meeting of jury members held on March 21, 2007 in Geneva decided to honor Sarup, with an Honorable Mention International Award for reporting on women's issues. http://www.mediaforfreedom.com/

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