Waking up early morning on the day of our Independence, I was in a joyful mood. Amidst the headlines highlighting corruption, violence and saddening cricket results, I was looking forward to reading a few good things. And to my surprise I found a two page excerpt of the Times of India dated August 15, 1947. News round and about our glory days was such a pleasure to glimpse upon. Even the advertisements were surprisingly appealing back in the day. "Two Annas", stated the first pages as the price, how charming.
Releases of "Shehnai", "Shanti" and "Mera Geet" featuring black and white posters of the stars sparkled along the last pages of the paper. Advertisements of Colgate, Dalmia Cement and Treet Razor blades neatly scattered across the newspaper.
Delightful morning read. But the best thing that I could spot in the entire paper was a neatly outlined map of the "then" India highlighting Rajputana, East punjab and Bombay as separate states. Unity had a different meaning back then, and it showed in the diverse consolidation of states. Wishful thinking, but I wished we stayed as unified as we were on the triumphant date of our independence.
And after a wonderfully fulfilling read, I was back at the main newspaper, with the saddening news of the cinema legend Shammi Kapoor's passing away. News stories covering Inflation, Price rise and financial instability of the world economies were printed here and there. Advertisement banners with colorful independence slogans and inviting offers stood at regular intervals among other news stories. A little sadness crept up, but the hope that the coming ages have good things in store still resides within me.
A good start to a new anniversary of our story of progress. I am still - Hopeful for a better tomorrow. Happy Independence day!
