Being a civilian, sometimes we fail to understand the importance of Independence Day, and like many others, we take it as another day that adds on to the list of holidays. We crib about the power cuts, the dirty paths, the unexpected terror threats and various other stuffs.

But have we ever thought of people who are from defense family who spend every minute of their life thinking about their members at the border protecting our country? Have we ever thought how difficult their life would be and how close and emotionally attached are they to our mother India?

TellyBuzz talked to some of the popular actors who proudly call themselves as people from Defense background and here they talk.


Aishwarya Sakhuja
I did my schooling in Army School and I remember we used to have great enthusiasm during Independence Day because we know the value of it. I guess we are more connected to the country because we see our fathers being posted near the borders so that they protect our country. I remember my mom used to sit in front of the television to see the Independence Day Parade and gradually her eyes would be filled with tears.
I do not think I am different from the civilians, but I am sensitive to issues. I get really very angry of what is happening around us. We all know about the spirit of Mumbai that gets to normal even after a big blast. But I get upset with the fact that terrorist takes control of the situation because of some corrupt politicians.
Though I think that the day has become a gazette holiday, I believe that the youth of today is aware of their rights and there is complacency. I just request everybody to exercise their right and vote for the right candidate.

Gurmeet Choudhary
My dad was in the Army and there have been a lot of memories during my days at the cantonment. We were brought under strict discipline where we had specific time to sleep, to get up and go to the gym etc, which a normal civilian kid must not really have undergone. I guess we are more disciplined and we know the value of time.
On Independence Day it was a pleasure to the eyes when we see uniformed people around us. We have the patriotic feeling in us which is really enthralling and brings us close to the country. But sadly nowadays the day has indeed become another holiday. It is a surprise that people who wish me on Friendship Day and Valentine's Day, do not wish me for Independence Day. But I make it a point to send messages to my friends.
I would like to tell that lend out your hand to the needy, not just today in particular, but everyday of your life and dedicate your deeds for your country.

Perneet Chauhan
Actually I have better memories of the Repulblic Day because we used to stay very close to India Gate from where we could see the helicopter flying for the patrol and the parade etc very clearly from our balcony. Basically I am from a family where my forefathers have been in Army and the legacy continues. My dad was in the Army and my Mamu in Navy. I remember the days when Mamu had been in the border during the Kargil War.
I guess, being an Army kid, we are very much focused and courageous. The shifting of places in every two years has made us really adaptable and respectable within the period of time.
I do not think that Independence Day has become another holiday for people because I believe that the youth of today is coming forward in exercising their rights. I am glad that they are not sitting home mum and are voicing their opinions.
Today I would like to ask the youth of today to enroll yourself in Defense because the country needs you. I can see people aspiring to become engineers and doctors and not a Defense Personnel. Please do not consider Defense as the last option for you to go.

Siddhant Karnick
Those days were brilliant when I used to sit on my father's lap and drive the car. Also I remember the experience of driving the tank for the first time. It was a superfast vehicle with a giant lever to ride that could be turned from 90 degree to 180 degree within fraction of a second.       
I guess we were more independent than the other kids because we travelled a lot and changed schools a lot number of times. I remember I had changed eight schools in just four years. But all the travelling and shifting have made us more adaptable. We could make friends easily and mingle with people very well.
I do think that Independence Day has become like any other holiday for which I think that the entire system is at fault. Rather than forcing the students to stand for the flag hoist, it would be better to enact a piece from the Indian History so that young blood understands the dedication and sacrifice our martyrs had done for us. This would be a brilliant way to impart a message.
Today I would just like to say, Go Green and take care of your city in the same way in which you take care of your home.

Sulagna Panigrahi
I remember my days in Army Schools where we used to celebrate Independence Day with men in uniform around us. We used to get Motichoor ka laddoo.
Being an army kid, you are reminded everyday that your father is at the border protecting the country. That fact makes us more close to the country. We have seen the hardest of the conditions where we had to survive without electricity and water and other basic needs, but those have in turn made us really adaptable.
I am sad by the fact that when kids are asked about what they would like to become when they grow up, they say cricketer or any other profession, but they never say they want to become an Army Personnel. There are only very few people who join Army and dedicate their life for the country as many go for easily paid MNC jobs.
Today I would like to say that take a break from Facebook and Twitter and think about what is happening to the country and what our forefathers have sacrificed for its independence. Keep the city clean and do not make your locality a dump yard with your spits and waste.

Well, we should realize our responsibilities and exercise our rights. Don't you think that's what we are born for?

TellyBuzz wishes all its readers and members, a Very Happy Independence Day...  

Author: Saranya Valsarajan