\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/8986
Short Stories: July 04, 2018 Issue [#8986]

Newsletter Header
Short Stories


 This week: Stories of Independence
  Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI back on Jan 4 Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Today, the 4th of July, is a day of celebration for the US of A.

For folks in India, it's August 15.

But what were things like on August 15, 1947? Here are some stories of the day India gained freedom.

If you look at the word length, they're tiny tales -- call them flash non-fiction, if you will. But put them together and you'll get a poignant picture of a day in history.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 197380364X
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99


Letter from the editor

Dear Reader,

My niece is Project Manager at the Citizens' Archive of India. The young people who work and volunteer there collect stories from folks who have memories of the actual day on which India gained independence -- Aug. 15. 1947. Each one is a snippet, an anecdote, an emotion ... put them together to get a picture of the day.

I give below a few of the stories, as narrated by the individuals themselves.

BRIG. MOHAN
On 15 August 1947, I was in the Military Academy at Dehra Dun. At that time, we had cadets from combined India -- that is, India with Pakistan and East Pakistan. On that day, there was a separation of the cadets. Those who wanted to go to the Pakistan army were told to go to Pakistan. The whole day was spent on seeing who goes to Pakistan. To our surprise we found that some people, including two of my best friends, and some of our instructors, went to Pakistan. I was not allowed to get in touch with anyone from the Pakistan army after that. The only celebration was a special dinner, which all of us enjoyed together one last time.

SURESH CHATURVEDI
i was in Mumbai the day we got Independence. There was a grand parade in the afternoon from Gowalia Tank through Kalbadevi to Azad Maidan. Elsewhere, there was a lot of rioting, but here there was happiness. I stood at the Bata shop at Nana Chowk, where I saw the flags being waved and heard the slogans being shouted. What can I tell you? There were all sorts of floats passing by. The Gujaratis, the Marathis ... all the people, they came dancing in open trucks, some were on foot, some were playing traditional musical instruments, keeping the beat, making jhan-jhan sounds. There were fisher-folk and labourers. The trucks were all decorated, various people in them. Let me tell you one more thing -- Prithviraj Kapoor had started his "PRITHVI THEATRE" at Opera House. He staged plays about our freedom struggle. I was a great fan of the Kapoors. Suddenly, three generations of Kapoors passed by in a truck, with the banner 'Prithvi Theatre'. They were singing and clapping. I was thrilled! I had seen them on stage, now here they were in front of me! I'd seen every play they'd ever produced, now I was watching them celebrate.

NAND KISHORE
It was midnight when Pandit Nehru announced India's independence at Parliament House. Of course, I could not go into Parliament House, but I joined the huge crowd outside to listen to the announcement. Some of us boys climbed trees. We heard Nehru on the loudspeakers. We were very happy to have gained independence. But I could not bear the partition of India. I still have the map of undivided India in front of my eyes, the way I used to draw it in school. I think many people of my age will have this map in front of their eyes even today.

BHANU
We celebrated the first independence day in school. We drew a very big map of undivided India and decorated it with lamps all over. It was very beautiful. Even though Pakistan had already become a separate nation, we drew the map as a whole. My parents and grandparents were happy, but I don't remember much celebration at home.

PRAMODINI
It was a very proud day. We girls were not allowed to go outside, of course, but the boys went out. My brothers and male cousins were allowed, so they went out. Since we weren't allowed out, we sang patriotic songs and waved the flag at home. We were told that we would be allowed out the next day, since, on the day there were too many crowds. We did walk a bit in the neighbourhood, though, and we wished anyone we met on the road. It was a very happy moment, but at the same time there was a little sadness because there was news coming in of massacres here and there.

There you have it. The joy, the sorrow, the celebration, the tension ... the individual stories that make history come alive.
Happy Independence Day, to everyone who is celebrating today!

Sig gifted to me by Secret Squirrel, created by Kiya. Thanks!


Editor's Picks

By our authors!

 'Tis Dark Enough Open in new Window. (E)
Poetry challenge with deep ideas -- first stanza is a line of Emerson
#2161978 by Walkinbird 3 Jan 1892 Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2129067 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2156815 by Not Available.

 Can't let go... Open in new Window. (E)
Different colors of love
#2142137 by Kalesh Author IconMail Icon

 
Image Protector
STATIC
Mum's the Word Open in new Window. (E)
Mum tags along on a quick getaway that doesn't go as planned.
#2157087 by Krista Kringle Author IconMail Icon


All time favourites!

Image Protector
GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
GROUP
The WDC Angel Army Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
#1188309 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
FORUM
Anniversary Reviews Open in new Window. (E)
Celebrate Writing.Com member account anniversaries with reviews.
#1565040 by Annette Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by SophyBells Author IconMail Icon

Three Word Mayhem! Open in new Window. (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
#555590 by Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon



 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Ask & Answer

Thank you for the responses to "Mindbooking: Memories Past and CurrentOpen in new Window.

brom21 Author Icon I can really relate to this NL. I love to reflect on memories quiet often especially childhood ones. I remember playing the Super Nintendo and the Sega Genesis with my brother when we were both around ten. Oh, such nostalgia! Thanks for the stimulating NL!

Jeff Author Icon What's really funny about the Facebook memories thing is that my wife has a habit of posting pictures she takes of me doing mundane tasks... for example, she'll post a picture of me on my laptop on the couch and caption it as "another working weekend" or me doing the dishes with the caption "I love a man who cleans." And then Facebook will be like, "Hey, do you want to post this memory from two years ago?" Um, no, I don't feel the need to promote and re-share the fact that I did the dishes two years ago. *Laugh*

HEY FOLKS!
Drop by and wish Grateful Jess Author Icon a happy birthday, today!

"Note: My full-time job surprised me with gifts, cards, a..."

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07B63CTKX
Amazon's Price: $ 6.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/8986