Memories of that historic day are still vivid in my mind. It was a pleasant morning, and as a school student, I attended the mandatory prayer assembly at the government inter-college, Prayagraj, then Allahabad. As soon as the national anthem stopped, the principal, Mr Khanwalkar, took to the stage. The principal addressing the assembly wasn't an everyday affair, so everyone waited with heightened anticipation.
As he stood facing a large gathering of students and teachers, everyone saw his face beaming, tears welling up in his eyes, and his voice choking with emotion. In a trembling but euphoric voice, he informed us that the Indian Army had forced close to a lakh Pakistani soldiers to surrender in Dhaka. We had won the war, and an independent country, Bangladesh, was now a reality. His words electrified the atmosphere, and the students felt a rush of enthusiasm. We were cheered. Despite our teachers' admonition, the students left the college. The impromptu students' procession kept cheering on the streets for hours on end.
Years later, while studying about the French Revolution, I was reminded of the day I was part of street sloganeering. At that moment, the penny dropped for me that revolutions, victory parades, and dejection of defeat all somehow someday converge on a junction.
The subcontinent's present situation is a classic example of such a scenario. Let's find out how.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Diljit concert organisers told to pay ₹25,000 fine for 'mess' at venue
CHANDIGARH: In fresh trouble for the organisers of Diljit Dosanjh's concert, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) has slapped a ₹25,000 penalty for the mess that was left behind at the venue.
FROM 2025, NTA NOT TO HOLD RECRUITMENT TESTS
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will, from 2025, conduct only entrance exams for higher education institutions and not recruitment exams, a move aimed at improving its functioning and in keeping with the recommendations of a high-level committee set up in June 2024.
'One election' bill tabled in House, may be sent to JPC
NEW DELHI: The Union government on Tuesday introduced in the Lok Sabha two bills aimed at ushering in simultaneous state and national elections amid loud protests by the Opposition, taking the first step towards implementing sweeping changes in the way polls are conducted in the world's largest democracy.
China building villages near Doklam in Bhutan: Sat data
NEW DELHI: China has built at least 22 villages and settlements over the past eight years within territory that has traditionally been part of Bhutan, with eight villages coming up in areas in proximity to the strategic Doklam plateau since 2020, according to satellite imagery.
10 Victims from Punjab
Of the 11 Indian nationals who died of \"carbon monoxide poisoning\" in an Indian restaurant in a mountain resort in Georgia, 10 hailed from Punjab.
When Chay flew to Mumbai
Following their wedding on December 4, actor-couple Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have opened up about their relationship for the first time.
2 HELD IN KHARAR GOLD THEFT, 17 TOLAS RECOVERED
Kharar police have arrested two men in connection with a major gold and diamond jewellery theft in Kharar and recovered 17 tolas along diamond ornaments.
Harsimrat writes to Union minister over pending PU senate elections
CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Tuesday demanded the extension of Panjab University (PU) senate's term and the announcing the schedule for its elections.
CHB BEGINS E-AUCTION OF 98 PROPERTIES
The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) on Tuesday began the e-auction of 98 commercial and residential properties located in various sectors.
Woman dies after falling from auto post collision
VICTIM HAD LOST HER HUSBAND 11 MONTHS AGO AND WAS THE SOLE BREADWINNER OF HER FAMILY, SUPPORTING TWO YOUNG SONS
