AMHERST — Friday was the 75th anniversary of India and Pakistan’s independence, and it was the first time Amherst celebrated the historic event.
The hourlong celebration of South Asian culture on the Town Common included speeches about the event’s cultural importance, songs by a capella groups, poetry and dances performed by people of all ages.
“The Town Council was approached by the Indian Association from Boston and they asked, ‘Do you want to celebrate India’s 75th year of independence?’ and since I’m the only councilor from India, I was obviously interested in supporting that,” Town Councilor Shalini Bahl-Milne said about how the event came to be. “I was talking to one of my friends who’s one of the resident sponsors (of the event), Dr. Sanjay Anelka, who was like, ‘Well, it’s also Pakistan’s 75th independence day.”
The event outside Town Hall drew about three dozen celebrants. Bahl-Milne kicked off the event talking about why she felt it was important. In an interview, she teared up talking about how at one point in her life she felt like she was losing her culture, and how this event was helping her find herself again.
“I have no idea why I’m getting emotional right now, but OK. I think when we leave our countries, we leave our traditions. There is such a desire to fit in, that I feel like I kind of abandoned my culture. I stopped wearing Indian clothes because I wouldn’t be seen as a professional. We kind of give up some of our cultural traditions to fit into the new culture. I’m realizing that what makes Amherst special is that all of us come with diverse backgrounds and we can’t abandon that just to be like everyone else,” Bahl-Milne said.
The peaceful joint celebration of the two countries’ anniversaries took on special meaning as it was held against the backdrop of growing friction between Indian and Pakistan.
“There’s a lot of tension between India and Pakistan right now, and maybe peace in those countries will start outside of those countries by us working together here,” Bahl-Milne said.
“I love the idea of Pakistani and Indian culture celebrating together,” event attendee Peter Demling said. “Obviously there’s intense political problems with the two governments, so it’s just awesome to see the people come together and celebrate that. It’s very affirming.”
After the speeches, the Indian national anthem was sung by UMass Rang, the Pakistani national anthem was played on the trumpet by Thomas Bergeron, poems were recited by a flurry of people, Indian classical dances were performed, and the UMass Bhangra grouped capped off the performances with a Bhangra performance. The event ended with everyone bhangra dancing.
Talvin Dhingra is a student at Amherst Regional High School and writes occasionally for the Gazette.