There is breath of freedom in the air. The entire nation is humming the tunes of the national song. Politico-cultural events, movies, fresh launches are all marking yet another year of India's liberty. Pick up the telephone receiver and you are greeted by that lilting raga; switch on the TV and there again you hear the same melody - Vande Mataram is the word on every ear. MTV, Channel V, our own Doordarshan are also busy giving coverage to the national song, and thanks to them, the kids are knowing more about Bankim Chandra Chattopadhayaya. This time we also have the legendary Lata Mangeshkar singing the melody after 30 long years. And it makes one proud to know that there's something in the song, its words, its images, that almost drives the soul.Some might come questioning: what are we celebrating after all? But let's not get cynical. And let's not start all over again with that rising price index and those falling moral standards. Let's just be a part of the patriotic brigade and see how the city beautiful has chosen to go on the jamboree.There have been a host of cultural events to mark the grand occasion: a fortnight-long bash, of dance, music, exhibitions and movies. The art lovers have never had it so good. A lot of effort has gone into making the events a success. What with famous artists like Shobha Mudgal, Sharon Lowen, Ketaki Narayan, Mallika Sarabhai performing here, the Chandigarh audience have been treated to quite a visual feast. Also came their way a chance to view unconventional, experimental ongoings of the world of art. The best performance of contemporary theatre came from Maya Krishna Rao.Govind Nihalani's Hazar Chaurisi Ki Maa was also screened in the town and the audience had a chance to get the background of the Naxalite movement. ``Most of us did not know what the whole movement was all about. We had pre-conceived notions about Naxalites. The movie was a sensitive portrayal'', says Deepika, a first year English student.Dinesh, an art student pointed out,``These 14 days have been absolutely fabulous. I never knew there was so much to learn. And there was so much going on in the art world that we were not even aware of.''According to Neelam Man Singh Choudhary, the whole purpose of the bonanza was to bring the City audience at par with the international audience. And the job was extremely well done.If the art lovers benefitted from these celebrations, the business people also had a field day: the Grand Finale, 50 years of India's Independence. That was the USP of Meena Bazaar, a clothes store in Sector 17 to announce a 50 per cent discount! That how they pay for the grand 50 years.We also have discounts and sales gimmicks (whatever you may choose to call them) at ice-cream parlours, video-game centres to commemorate the 50 years.``It's amazing and also funny on how these shopkeepers are using this opportunity to sell their products'', said Vibha who was busy shopping and availing discounts in Sector 17. Well each to his own.``What is important is the spirit. Yes we haven't achieved what was expected of us. We have the government to blame, the politicians, the system and to some extent ourselves. There's much we can do to improve our lot. Population control and cleanliness is all in our hands. But do we do it?'' asks, Gaurav, a political science student.This question will take some time to be answered, Gaurav!
