I write: My I-Day (71st Independence Day)

14th Aug 2017
10.30 PM

On Bed (About to Sleep)

Me, Chhabiji and Mukesh Bhai made all plans of going to Redfort tomorrow with a perfect time schedule. The plan was about a month old to go and we were eagerly waiting for it. I was on my bed and set to get up early @4am(alarm set) to move there. Just for fun, I asked the question, that I should have asked (obviously at Quora):

What are the procedures to be at Redfort tomorrow(Independence Day)??? Do we require passes???

The first answer flashed: 'You are not allowed without passes' followed by this line, 'Passes can be availed till 7.00pm of 14th August from these places'

I literally got off bed, my sleep turned off and I was all the way into hitting myself for not thinking about this fact. We were soo excited that we forgot all these little things. Chhabi ji did went yesteryear without a pass, but I was confused. I was shocked to see this specific answer. I scrolled down and luckily all the other answers said: 'No, passes aren't required'.

I felt that wave of happiness and restitution. I lay back, but my sleep was far to touch me back again. I didn't have fb, WhatsApp or a Girl Friend who loves me to help me sleep. I closed my eyes and the future picture of flag hoist, national anthem, Modiji's speech etc. almost killed my sleep. And finally I didn't knew when I slept, as it always happens.

15th Aug 2017

I-Day

Out of darkness I got up at no time and saw my mob clock- 4.45am. We areee lateeee..!!!

Chabbi ji got up and went to bathroom to realize other fact-'No Water'. We did all possible tricks and no water yet. But our presence of mind helped here, we already assumed that this situation may arise, so we filled up 2 buckets of water the other night. With that 2 buckets of water, we 3 did our job and we were set to move to Redfort and get our wishes done.

06.03am

Finally we are in the first metro to Redfort (Chandhni Chowk). Reached Chandni Chowk Metro Station @6.50am and we ran to the place with all others to the site of happening. Then came, the first safety check-up point. I got cleared with it. They were constantly looking at my beard and mustache which could create a suspicion. He cleared me off with doubts still breeding in his mind. I turned back and smiled at him, he too smiled back at me, but I didn't know until I reached the second security check that it was a killer smile which he gave. Second checkup was all like they just didn't ask me to remove my clothes and except that they did all of it. I had to sacrifice my comb because of its sharpness, I had to donate all the coins I had. I put my key chain into the lump of things that were being seized and put by the cops-on-security. Ofcorse, I feel what the cops are doing is absolutely good to ensure the safety of the scene. Its of national importance or pride to secure Redfort from any foreign intervention. Thanks to all security personnel working on the I-Day. I went on for the last but a mild check just before the entry to the Redfort ground.

Entry

We reached, we took our seat and soon our esteemed Prime Minister came into the scene with a marvelously extraordinary security line up. He reached the podium sharp at 06.58am and hoisted the flag at 07.00am and my dream of singing National Anthem after the flag hoist was achieved. I was feeling the sense of nationalism, patriotism and India to heart. Soon, Mr. PM reached onto his mike and started with the dialogue, 'Mere pyare deshwasiyoon!' (My dear Indian's). It went very short this time but it pinpointed very sensitive issues of present India and stressed on 'New India', the key points include:

The National Anthem

Today we are celebrating both Independence Day and Janmasthami.
I bow to all those who have sacrificed for the independence of the nation
People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur.
Natural calamities have become a big challenge. Good rains contribute to prosperity of the country, but climate change creates problems
No one is small or big in India. We can bring change with our collective effort and create a new India where all will get equal opportunity.
This is a special year as it is the 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement, the 100th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha, and the 125th anniversary of Ganesh Utsav
Our armed forces always proved their mettle in handling both extremism and during war. Even the world acknowledged our power after the surgical strikes.
National security is our priority. We are capable of defending our country in all spheres - land, sea or the cyber space
Must leave this 'Chalta Hai' nature. We have to now think of 'Badal Sakta Hai'- it will help us progress as a nation
January 1 2018 will not be an ordinary day, those born in this century will start turning 18, 'Bhagya Vidhatas' of our country
GST is a great success. The world is in awe seeing how we implemented the new tax system in such a short notice
GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped
Many countries now helping India in fight against terror.
Have asked terrorists to join the mainstream but there will be no leniency towards terrorism
Development of J&K is the responsibility of both the state and Center. Na gaali se samasya sulajhne wali hai, na goli se, samasya suljhegi har Kashmiri ko gale lagane se (Kashmir probem cannot be resolved by either bullets or by abuses. It can be resolved by embracing all Kashmiris)
A handful of separatists trying new tactics to create problems in the state.
Today I am happy to announce the launch of a dedicated portal for the winners of gallantry awards.
Today India is using technology to root out corruption and the world is now acknowledging our achievements in this regard.
India is capable of sending Mangalyaan in just nine months and we are now focusing on speedy implementations of projects.
States have very important role in the development of country
Violence has no place in free India. The country will not accept violence in the name of faith.
The poison of castesim and communalism can never be beneficial for our nation. This is the country of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi.
I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to 'Tripe Talaq'- I admire their courage. We are with them in their struggles
We are devoting significant attention to eastern India- Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These parts have to grow further.
This year 56 lakh people paid taxes. 3 lakh shell companies have been found of which licenses of 1.75 companies have been cancelled.
Tax filing has more than doubled from April 1 to August 5. Unearthed black money worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 3 years
In future digital currency will take the place of paper notes and hence we are determined to carry on with less cash economy
If we will be successful in Swach Bharat, it will rein in inflation and help the poor save money
Demonetisation helped banks lower interest rates
GST boosting goods-transport efficiency by 30%. Will see increase in transparency with GST implementation
There will be no space to loot in the country... Our fight against corruption and black money will go on
Aim at lowering medical costs for poor, middle class
Want to double farmer income by 2022
Aim to provide home, water, power to all poor people
Aim to create a terror, communal, caste-free nation
Together we will create a new India which will be clean, healthy and will fulfil our dreams of swaraj

Source: Economic Times

It was an hour long speech and at the end I clapped like, he should hear it. My second dream of hearing a Modi speech was also done now. The National Anthem at the end, watching the unfurled flag of Republic of India was like something beyond a limit to explain. We departed after he departed. The only problem about the whole event was that we could only get a seat far away from Modiji's Dias. I hated myself for not buying a VIP pass for just Rs.500 and also not getting my mobile which would have helped to send some live pics along too. Following which we walked through the messy Chandhni Chowk roads to Chandhni Chowk Metro Station and departed to Ghitorni.