Highlights
- Swatantralakshmi was born on August 15, 1947 – the same day India gained its independence.
- Swatantra moved to Australia in 1989 with her family, and worked as a teacher before retiring.
- She says her grandfather named her 'Swatantra' as she was born on India's Independence Day.
Indian-Australian Swatantralakshmi was born on August 15, 1947 – the same day India gained its long-awaited independence from British colonial rule.
With India today celebrating its 77th year of independence, thousands of miles away in Australia, Swatantra shares her knowledge about the day she was born.
“My aunt told me that I was born on August 15, 1947, around 5:10 pm in Nochur in Kerala state. People flooded the streets, waving flags, shouting joyfully and singing national songs,” the 77-year-old tells SBS Gujarati.
“It was a joyful time inside our home and outside on the streets. My family members distributed sweets, and people on the streets were dancing and singing national songs,” she adds.
The whole country was so happy that at least after two centuries, India had become independent, and they were all free, enjoying their freedom.Swatantra
“How lucky I am to be born on that very day. It is not only my birthday, but it's India's birthday too,” Swatantra adds.
The reason behind her name
She explains the significance of her name.
“My grandfather gave me this name because I was born on India's Independence Day; he kept my name as 'Swatantra', which means independence in Hindi.”
The sails of the Sydney Opera House are lit up to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in Sydney, Monday, August 15, 2022. Source: AAP / STEVEN SAPHORE/AAPIMAGE
Independence Day celebrations at school
Swatantra says that when I was in primary school, she didn't really understand what Independence Day meant.
We used to go to school to hoist the flag, then sing the national anthem, and then we were all given sweets that day. And that's how I used to celebrate my birthday also.Swatantra
“When I went to high school, my father told me what independence meant and how India got its freedom after so much struggle. How all these great people fought and sacrificed their life for our country.”
'Feeling proud to share my birthday with Independence Day'
Swatantra says takes a lot of pride in celebrating Independence Day.
“I am proud to be an Indian first, and it is so lovely to see the whole country celebrating Independence Day. Every school, university, workplace and corner of the country adorned in tricolour,” she says.
“People watch patriotic movies about India's freedom struggle and wear tricolour-themed clothes.”
Swatantra moved to Australia in 1989 with her family. She was a teacher both in India and in Australia.
Having lived down under for the last 34 years, she feels proud to be called an Australian.
“I am an Australian, but I still miss India a lot for its rich culture and heritage,” she says.
A handout photo made available by the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB) shows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes part in the national flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort to address the nation on the occasion of 75th Independence day in Delhi, India, 15 August 2021. Credit: INDIA PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU HANDOUT/EPA/AAP Image
“Every year, I visit one state and stay there for a week and look around those places and learn more about their history and culture.”
“There's so much to learn in India,” she says.
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