My mother is a retired school teacher who taught in an Urdu-medium school run by the city, located in a predominantly Hindu neighborhood in India. Being the enthusiastic person she is, days like Independence Day, New Year, Holi, Diwali, Eid, and family weddings bring out a unique zest in her. She meticulously plans to be the performer of the day and often succeeds in stealing the spotlight.
With this spirit, she gathered her students on the school grounds the day before Independence Day to prepare for the celebrations. She had written lyrics and composed a tune to evoke the patriotic emotions we feel for our country. Joining her in these preparations was the headmistress, and together they guided the students for the flag-hoisting ceremony scheduled for August 15. The event would include attendees and guests, adding to the fervor of the day.
After a tiring rehearsal, as she left the school, my mother received a call from the police station. It was the headmistress speaking in a distressed tone. The police had detained her, accusing her of celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day, which falls on August 14, and pointing at the charge of sedition. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, my father urged her to go to the station immediately to resolve the matter. She left in haste, leaving her three children at home, who, too young to comprehend the situation, were unsettled by the sudden tension.
At the station, my anxious mother met the equally nervous headmistress, who tried to explain the incident. The accusations were grave, but fortunately, in those less sensationalized media days, the police refrained from acting harshly.
What exactly had happened?
While preparing for the August 15 celebration, my mother and the staff instructed the school helper to lower the flag for the next day’s event after the rehearsal, while keeping the pole intact. However, the well-meaning helper, a kind Hindu woman lovingly called Bai, misunderstood the instructions and left the flag raised, and it got positioned at half-mast by evening. A half-mast flag is either a sign of mourning or marks a special day.
Coincidentally, August 14 is Pakistan’s Independence Day. A cynical observer noticed the flag and reported to the police, accusing the Urdu-medium school of celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day instead of waiting for India’s. This information sparked immediate police action—uncharacteristic of their usual delayed responses.
But thanks to my mother’s charm and quick wit, destroying this misunderstanding was not difficult. I’m not sure exactly how she resolved the matter without needing external intervention, but I imagine she might have even sung the song she had written: “Janta ki ankhon ka tara, pyara tiranga hamara” (The star of the people’s eyes, our beloved tricolor). She always loved showcasing her creativity and was never one to miss a chance to perform—even if it was at a police station. Kill me for this assumption, Mom!”
Today, my thoughts drift to how this incident might have played out in the current media climate, with its frequent conspiracy theories and sensationalism. Would they have labeled it “Tiranga Jihad” (Flag Jihad)? Or perhaps speculated about an ISI (Pakistan’s intelligence agency) conspiracy operating from the school?
Thankfully, back then, innocence and wisdom prevailed. The situation was resolved, and my mother returned home, leaving us with a story that would be etched in our family’s memories forever.
Happy Republic Day!
