70 Years Past Midnight - Part I

-- January 30, Martyr's Day --

noble and martyred
wrapped in the colours they served
   nation in their legacy
                   ***


August 14, 1947

Jawaharlal Nehru stood before The Parliament - Words were spoken, recounted this century as clear as then.

“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny; and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. 
At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.

A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new -- when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India, her people, and to the still larger cause of humanity.

The turning-point is past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about.”


August 15, 2017 

Policemen are positioned at the borders of states. 
Stars are thanked at the break of dawn - the night passed without their lives.

Embassies light up with stories of the past - They play out on facades for the holidayer in traffic. 

Tiny hands wave paper flags at the rural side of the city. In the August heat, parades are viewed from terraces barefoot.
Students wear pins in a march. The sole aim ~ Giving back more than we get.

A day cannot sleep without celebration of culture:


   saffron, white and green
 twenty nine states on stage -
    nation in their eyes



.. continuation posted
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Vangaveti Avatar
February 23, 2019 at 8:26 PM
"Stars are thanked at the break of dawn - the night passed without their lives." - what a write Sneha.. Specially this line locked me :)
Lamoureux Avatar
March 9, 2018 at 8:42 AM
Exceptional, on to part two.
Roper Avatar
February 11, 2018 at 11:29 AM
Excellent Haibun, Sneha!
Pandit Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:34 PM
You are a unique creator..I share your sentiments..a lovely reminder to many of us, and a lesson of history for others..well done, Sneha.
Callus Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 3:21 PM
I must say, your poetic rose is delightfully blooming, Sneha! We should all be proud of our mother nation! Regards // paul
Allison Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 3:00 PM
I say it time and time again Sneha you have a remarkable talent for one so young - this is such a fabulous haibun - I especially love the haiku at the end and can see the colourful flags waving on to part 2
Dietrich Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 1:28 AM
this is lovely. I see in this such a love of country.
Cunningham Avatar
January 30, 2018 at 11:53 AM
Brilliant verse Sneha. Regards Tom Just going to part two.
Michael Avatar
January 30, 2018 at 10:04 AM
Incredible work you are doing...Excelente...All the best Sneha
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