Shibani Krishnatraya, literature student and spoken word artist, Tezpur: Independence Day was celebrated in schools and colleges, but on a smaller and more subdued setting. When I got to Delhi it was an eye opener. I was surprised to see how people go out without fear and hang out with their families. My friends ventured out to see the parade or visit their old schools. There would be parades and competitions in Assam too. But when I was growing up, the number of visitors was low and there was always this fear of a bomb explosion. Would it be safe to go out?

Whenever we went to the march by or to school and college events, our parents would come with us to make sure we got back safely. Usually we stayed home on Independence and Republic days and the morning ritual consisted of watching the official event in Delhi on TV.

We didn’t know how Independence Day was celebrated outside of Assam. Little did I know that the fear we grew up with didn’t exist outside of the Northeast. In my freshman year in college in Delhi, I was scared of going to see a movie with my boyfriend.

Every year we checked the calendar to see whether the days of Republic and Independence fell on Sundays, whether we had missed the additional holiday and whether we would have a long weekend. Friends who had to attend the parade prayed and complained that they had to get up early so they could report at seven in the morning.

There was always a fear that insurgents might attack vehicles. There would be traffic strikes. So when we went out, we’d put stickers on the windshield that said, “On important duty”. I was once awarded the best recitation award in the district. I still remember that we just received the award; We didn’t sit for the entire event, but hurried home.

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