My mother country India will be celebrating 67 years of Independence on August 15. I will be simultaneously celebrating 21 years of marriage on August 15 (my wife and I got married in Buena Park, Orange County on August 15, 1993 according to Hindu custom).
I live in the greatest democracy of the world United States of America with my family and love the free-spirit, opportunity, education, security and equality that USA offers to our citizens. I moved to USA in 1987 along with my sister in pursuit of the dream, went to school here, found my life partner, got married, was blessed with two beautiful children and became a naturalized USA citizen in 2008. My wife is our rock of the family.
At the same time, I am privileged to be born and raised in the largest democracy of the world India that is poised to prosper every day under the leadership of prime minister Shri Narendra Modi. Growing up in India with my parents, sisters, grand parents, and close family members taught me about our culture, dharma, karma, samsara, yoga, humility, kindness, peace, and made me appreciate our great struggles to achieve independence and freedom.
I am looking forward to August 15. Indian by birth. American by choice. I am a proud Indian American. Jai Hind! Jai USA!
I would like to share quotes from India's freedom fighters:
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always." - Mahatma Gandhi, India's Father of the Nation
"It is the prime responsibility of every citizen to feel that his country is free and to defend its freedom is his duty." - Sardar Patel, India's Iron Man
"Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will." - Jawaharlal Nehru, India's First Prime Minister