Our Childhood Independence Day Fun

Pic source: http://www.guy-sports.com/

When we were in school, Independence Day was a day we looked forward to, at least 15 days in advance!

We used to dream about the flag hoisting at school followed by distribution of sweets, all singing "Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara" in 3D surround sound that started with a fade in and reached peak level when all sing "Jhanda ooncha rahe hamara". At Besant Basic School, each pupil got a fully grown sugarcane,and we used to drag it all the way from school to our home in Ballal Bagh Circle!

We even used to wait beneath the big tree in front of our home in Ballalbagh Circle and watch people in big groups on lorry back passing by, shouting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". We also used to shout and cheer them!

The flag hoisting and  the parade at Nehru Maidan followed by entertainment such as flying a remote controlled toy plane was never boring.

We also used to hire bicycles from the nearby Ramnath Prabhu's shop in Ballalbagh or Hariappanna's shop near Mannagudda Gurji, tie the indian flag and balloons to it, sometimes tying a balloon or an ice cream stick or even a broken plastic tongue cleaner at the back wheel so that when the wheel turned, that would make 'Dub dub dub....or a buzzing noise..... kirrrrrrrrr!".

We 3-4 friends pedaled our bicycles down the highway via Kadri Hills on to Nanthoor and upto Ullal bridge in the pouring rain, happily getting drenched and shout 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' all through the way! On the way, we also used to catch hold of the lorry chain or bus ladder at the back gaining momentum, of course taking some risk. The cycling used to last the entire day exploring many main roads of Mangalore before we caught cold and started sneezing! Later as I joined college, my classmates Naresh Baliga and Aravind had Lambretta scooters and they used to take me to Panambur or Ullal beach with them. Watching a movie with them at Central or New Chithra talkies was also a routine every year.

Those were the days! Can never find such enthusiasm among the present day youth, as virtual entertainments like TV internet and mobile phones have over shadowed real celebrations. Club culture and partying has taken over simple thrills!