Saturday, August 10, 2024

The Glorious Independence Day

77 Splendid years of Independence

On 15th of August 2024, India is about to celebrate its 78th year of Independence. In year 1947 after around 200 years of slavery, exploitation and hardship India and Indians finally got independence from British rule. For around Two Centuries Indians worked and lived under the British rule and it was such hard time for every Indian. The 15th of August holds a special significance in every Indian`s live because on this day we were finally liberated. 



This day is celebrated with a bliss every year in each and every part of the country. Every citizen celebrates this day with great enthusiasm and patriotism. Let it be a school, college any government or private offices. Every place has their own ways of celebrating this day. On this day, the Prime Minister usually unfurls the National flag “Tiranga” and addresses the compatriot from the historic monument “Red Fort”.

Figure 1: Red Fort,New Delhi


In this article I am sharing my experience how I honour this day. As a grownup, who was in school around 4 years ago I miss the rituals that we followed in our school while celebrating Independence Day. We used to carry out various activities and performances. I personally used to participate in group dances. We usually performed on patriotic songs. Girl groups used to choose a song named “Desh Mera Rangilla”. It was every girl`s favourite song. We also used to prepare posters and flags for Independence Day and all of this used to start 10 days prior. Everyone contributed in their ways possible. It was a perfect example of team work. The most exciting thing about this day was neither the dance performance nor any other activity, it was refreshments. Standing in ques to take our refreshments was the most fascinating thing about the whole program. These things are a bunch of sweet memories. I feel very nostalgic on this day.


Do you know?

One fascinating thing or a fact about 15th August is that we Indian`s are not the only ones to observe this day as Independence Day. This is very engrossing that there are five more countries who celebrate their day of Independence alongside.  

These countries are:

  1. South Korea 🇰🇷
  2. North Korea 🇰🇵
  3. Bahrain 🇧🇭
  4. Republic of the Congo 🇨🇬
  5. Leichenstein

  

Honourable mention 

Our freedom twin : Pakistan 🇵🇰

As India and five other countries celebrate their Independence Day on same day there is one neighbouring country “Pakistan” who is own freedom twin. Both of the countries acquired Independence on the same day of the same year. We both got freedom in same year but, Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on 14th of August. It also marks the anniversary of the partition into two countries, the partition occurred at midnight on August 14-15, 1947.  


Economic and democratic situation 

Economy since Independence       Economy is the area in which the production, distribution, trade and consumption of goods and services takes place.

There are two types of economies in the world: 

Developed economy

Underdeveloped economy 

Countries like America, England and Japan etc., are considered as developed countries/economies because the per capita of income of these countries are very high. On the other hand, countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are categorised as undeveloped economies because the per capita income of these countries is low. Specifically talking about India, the economy of India has witnessed ups and downs since Independence. The country has opted various economic reforms for the overall development which have made a positive impact on the economic growth to some extent. Indian economy functions in accordance to the five years plans since year 1951. In year 1951 first five years plan was implemented and since then elections are held every five years. In comparison to the neighbouring countries Indian economy is growing on the faster pace. Which is a good sign for India. We all should contribute in order to make our economy developed and prosperous.


Democracy since Independence

Democracy is a system in which the laws, policies, leadership, and other major decisions are directly or indirectly decided by the “people” of country. India is the biggest democracy of the world because the world`s largest election is held in India. India is a democratic country since independence. In year 1951-52 the elections were held for the first time and till present the general elections has been eighteen times. “Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru” became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Independent India and in year 2024 “Shri Narendra Modi” became the fourteenth Prime Minister. Not only the Prime Ministers but also the Chief Ministers of the states are elected democratically. This defines the worth and implementation of democracy in India.


Figure 2:Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru 
(First Prime Minister of Independent India)
Figure 3: Narendra Modi  (14th and current Prime Minister of India)
     

In this article I tried to talk about the importance of Independence Day for the citizens of India. This day holds a very special place in every Indian`s life. This day is significant in various aspects either it is economically, socially, culturally or emotionally. It is an significant day for our country and one of the prestigious as well. I hope you liked this article and it added some value to your knowledge. Thank you to all the precious readers for investing your time. 

Stay safe and happy!  

                                                               Written by  

Anjali Kathayat 

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Places to visit in Solan

 

Places to visit when you are in Solan

Solan is situated between Chandigarh and Shimla. So, whenever you are going to visit Shimla or any nearby destination then, you will definitely witness this beautiful district of Himachal Pradesh. If you are a visitor from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh or any other state you will also come across the magnificent view of Solan. The Kalka-Shimla national highway passes through Solan. So, anyhow you as a visitor will get to know about Solan. As a local I would recommend every visitor should spare some time and enjoy Solan.

In this article, I am going to guide you about the places you should visit when you are in Solan or when you are passing through Solan.

 There are numerous places in Solan to visit. Some of them have been mentioned with proper and authentic information.

1   The Mall RoadJust like Shimla & Manali, Solan also have a Mall Road. So, first place in your to do list should be The Mall Road. It has numerous shops of various categories like clothing, footwear, electronics, bakeries and end number of eating outlets. If you, your friends and family members want to buy anything you can visit any of the related shops. Every shop offers you a variety of products with good quality and reasonable prices. Now, talking about the most important element of every trip that is food. Mall road is full of restaurants and hotels where you can enjoy delicious food. Some of the shops are here from over six, seven decades. They offer some special dishes that have been a unique selling product for those shops over a long period of time. You have numerous options to eat like you can go for simple, authentic and tasty Indian food or you can try Chinese food items or food items like pizza and pasta.  There are some shops that are famous for specific food items. Best time to visit Mall Road is in the evening between 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM as there is no traffic and you can enjoy a walk.


Figure 1  The Mall Road Solan,Himachal Pradesh .

 

2.  Anand complex:  It is one of the biggest attraction of The Mall road. It is a multicomplex consisting numerous shops of clothes, footwear, electronics and most importantly food outlets. Most of the shop owners in this complex are Tibetans and they offer you variety of culture. You can visit those shops or restaurants and experience the glimpse of Tibetan culture. You must try different variety of food in the Tibetan restaurants, it will be a novel experience for you. As this complex is not that enormous, it will not take much time to complete your visit over there.

 

3.  Maa Shoolini Temple:  As we know that Himachal Pradesh is a home of temples. Same goes for Solan. Here you have number of temples to visit and seek the blessing of almighty God. And one of them is The Shoolini temple. This temple is dedicated to Maa Shoolini (our local goddess). This temple is a chief cultural attraction of Solan and have a significant role in the cultural heritage of Solan. It also serves a prominent role in the lives of locals as everyone of us seek Maa Shoolini`s blessings before doing anything important and virtuous. So, you must visit this temple and should also maintain the decorum.

 

Figure 2  Maa Shoolini Temple Solan, Himachal Pradesh.


4.  Historical Kalka-Shimla train junction:  The Kalka-Shimla toy train is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It means that is has a historical relevance and importance economically as well as socially. Travelling in this toy train is a lifetime experience. If you are travelling through train than you will witness the beauty of mountains and terrain. This ride is available from Kalka to Shimla and is pocket friendly as well. If you are not travelling through train than you can just visit the railway junction that is situated in Solan. It is near the mall road and can be reached conveniently. You can travel through this toy train anytime but, the best time to travel is in winters as you can witness the beauty of mountains with the bloom of snow.

5. Mohan Shakti Heritage Park: This place is situated among the dense forest. This heritage park is not in the main market it is about 15 kms form the mall road or old bus stand. This destination is the example of marvellous architecture and the expertise of artisans. Each corner of this temple is an illustration of talent and technique. The total cost incurred in the construction is about 100 CR. So, you can imagine the excellence. The structure, design and detailing of each and every sculpture is finest. And the surrounding view is cheery on the cake. The view of huge mountains is alluring. It is quite easy to reach this destination as you can use public transportations as well your own vehicle. This place offers you safe parking services so you do not need to worry about your vehicles. There are bus services available from old bus stand to this site and if you and your group is interested in hiking you can reach this place by simply walking. It is around 7 kms from the main road. This place is a perfect blend of art and alluring view so, you should visit this place once and experience the rich heritage of Hinduism as well as Solan.  



 
Figure 4   Mohan Shakti Heritage park, (Salogra), Solan, Himachal Pradesh

 

In this article I tried to cover some spots that are in Solan and are famous. In furthermore articles I will try to cover more spots that must be visited once.

Thank you for reading this article till now. I will try to come up with such piece of information in future as well. Stay tuned and updated.

                                                                               

                                                          Written By    Anjali Kathayat