India Independence Day: Time to celebrate and reflect

The Indian missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will play host to celebrations marking the country's 67th year free from British rule, but some say poverty, corruption and illiteracy are some things to reflect on as well.

Jonia Mathew, the honorary president of the Indian Ladies Association, in Abu Dhabi, fears that the India's younger generations who are living abroad are not aware of the struggles in India. Lee HoaglShow more

ABU DHABI // Today marks India's national independence day but while there will be celebrations and festivities, for many expatriates in the UAE, the day is tinged with frustrations.

The Indian missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will play host to celebrations marking the country's 67th year free from British rule, however, many believe true freedom is hampered by the abject poverty, corruption and illiteracy that are still an everyday feature in society.

India has come a long way since an independence movement noted for largely non-violent resistance led by the Indian National Congress achieved its goals and ended almost 100 years of British rule on August 15, 1947, however, many Indians believe the country has not come far enough.

There are about two million Indians that call the UAE home, which makes them the largest community in the country. Of that figure, one million hail from the southern state of Kerala alone.

For many of these people, the decision to move overseas was shaped by a desire to earn a decent wage to support their families, something that is seen as increasingly difficult in their homeland.

"There are several challenges [in India], like poverty, which is increasing because of corruption as the rich people get richer and poor people get poorer and there is nothing in between," said Preeti Sahani, a home teacher and housewife in Sharjah.

She believes growing financial pressures mean both husband and wife now have to work in India, meaning there is less spare time for parents to instil their values in children, and for parents to teach their offspring about Indian culture.

"It's a major concern for parents, thinking what your child would see 20 years down the line and how they would cope with the poverty, the cost of living; I don't know," Ms Sahani said.

"I will teach my daughter about the values of the day [Indian Day] then leave for Indian consulate in Dubai for the celebrations. This year, I would focus on teaching my child.

"We need to instil the true values of the day among children and the young generation, who are not aware of it."

Jonia Mathew, the honorary president of the Indian Ladies Association, in Abu Dhabi, fears that the India's younger generations who are living abroad are not aware of the struggles in their homeland.

She believes that makes attending India Day festivities all the more important, so children can learn.

"Families need to spend time with children to explain to them the true meaning of the day," she said. "In this modern day, people are more devoted to their own work and career."

Like Ms Sahani, Ms Mathew cited widespread corruption as a major stumbling blocks to progress. To make India a corruption-free society, she said many measures need to be taken and "it has to start from the top. I feel only the people in power can make a difference".

"It's also extremely difficult to get some small things done because of too much bureaucracy back home. The government should take measures to make things easier," Ms Mathew said.

"It's very difficult for a person who has stayed abroad for many years to go back and adjust there due to the situation, and also in terms of jobs and services."

One person who is travelling back to India for the national holiday is Dr Arattuculam Titus, a GP at the Cosmopolitan Medical Centre, in Abu Dhabi.

"This is first time I'll be travelling to India to mark the day along with family, friends and relatives," he said. "We indulge in big celebrations back home."

Buoyed by the impending celebrations, Dr Titus has a different view on corruption, blaming the public for encouraging the practise.

"For example, to obtain a passport or process work quickly, they bribe middle men. People need to stop this first. We are the people who make officials corrupt," he said.

There should be an awareness among people to obey rules and avoid indulging in illegal means of doing things, Dr Titus said.

Despite some reservations, many Indian expats are looking forward to celebrating their national identity.

Indian community centres in Abu Dhabi are uniting to hold joint festivities at the India Social and Cultural Centre on Mina Road.

A flag will be hoisted at 7am this morning and festivities will run from 8.30pm and midnight in the evening.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai will also have flag ceremonies at 8am, followed immediately by cultural and traditional performances.

All festivities are open to anyone who wishes to attend.