ACC Faculty Around the World: Happy Independence Day!

Today marked the first time I celebrated Indian Independence day in India. In fact, we observed two flag-raising ceremonies at the Gandhi Museum.

The first was organized by a women's rotary club. Their message was simple: India will not be free until it's women are free. They cited Gandhi's commentary that India could not be fully free until a woman can walk at midnight with jewels without fear for her safety. Timely. There were several songs as well as a rousing, longer version of the National Anthem written by Tagore, India's Nobel Laureate, sung by the attendees.

Sam also got the opportunity to experience a feeling I've experienced many times in India: the stress from having to give impromptu remarks at an event. In these moments, the pressure to say something profound can be overwhelming, but he handled it well!

The second ceremony was larger and organized by the Gandhi Museum staff. The event began with Swamiji, a Japanese Buddhist monk that I first met 15 years ago, leading a sacred chant. The crowd was small at first but progressively grew with both adults and children (who were dressed in their school uniforms). We learned that children go to school on Independence day for the ceremony and are then dismissed for the day! Again, there were several songs as well as a singing of the National Anthem.

After the flag raising ceremony, the Gandhi statue was garlanded as a sign of respect and the crowd moved to a replica of Raj Ghat, a relatively new addition to the Gandhi Museum grounds where individuals paid their respect to Gandhi. It was a very short affair and when it was over, the Rotary Club invited us to breakfast.

Unfortunately, it was very close to a scheduled meeting with our Place for Change contacts and so Sam and I had morning tea which was generously provided by Dr. Ravichandran, the Head Librarian. He also graciously opened the library to us so that we could hold our meeting! All in all, a very uplifting and productive morning!