60 years ago today at the stroke of midnight, the jewel of the British empire gained its freedom. Anyone who knows me knows how fiercely proud I am of my heritage.

 

This anniversary of Independence seems to be a special one to me, as modern India is the same age as my parents.

 

I’m excited that despite India’s insane amount of internal differences: ethnic groups and languages, religions, and more – India has had a stable and vibrant democracy. The world’s largest democracy, that even had a woman Prime Minister as head of state…something we may see here in America after 200 + years of freedom. I’m also excited about the growing economic, political and cultural power India is having again. But enough of that…

 

India’s history is a chronicle of over 5000 years, but the arrival of the British East India Company in 1608 triggered the most dynamic chapter in the story. With profound respect and gratitude I salute every freedom fighter who did what they could to free India from foreign rule.

Jai Hind!