The Chain of Change

"Today is Independence Day, and the school will shut early. That's great, isn't it?" Raju Bhaiya said, smiling amidst the roaring sounds and black clouds coming out of his three-wheeler auto-rickshaw.

- Ruchi Gontiya

"Yes, it is fun, indeed! There will be no studies," Radhika said gleefully.

"I am going to dance with Preeti to a popular song we have been practicing for the past two weeks," Sanya said.

"I'm excited for the delicious boondi laddu and samosa we'll get after the cultural program," Vivek said.

"Schools should celebrate Independence Day every month," Rohit said.

"Do you kids even know why today is so special? Can anyone tell me what happened on 15th August?" Raju Bhaiya asked.

"That's the day we got freedom from the British," Radhika quickly said.

"Did we ask for it and they gave it, just like that?" Raju jokingly asked.

"No, it didn't happen just like that. Our people fought for years, made sacrifices, staged protests against the British, and boycotted their goods," Daivik gathered his thoughts and explained.

"Why are you all getting emotional?" Radhika remarked.

"Just thinking about their valour makes one emotional. Imagine, if you were in their place, how would you have handled everything?" Daivik asked.

"If all those fighters hadn't thought about the coming generations, perhaps today we wouldn't be celebrating 77 years of independence," Raju Bhaiya added.

"Some of them knew they would never see India become independent in their lifetime, but still, they sacrificed their lives," Vivek said.

"Hmm...I wish I had a chance to say thank you to them for their sacrifice," Radhika said.

"How can we make that possible?" Sanya wondered.

Raju Bhaiya pressed the brake attached to his handle hard, and his auto-rickshaw came to a sudden stop.

"Alright, kids, school is here! The question of how you can contribute to your country and honour the sacrifices of those who fought for a free India remains. No problem, we will discuss this during the rickshaw ride back," Raju said.