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Dear Friend,
In August, we celebrated many festivals such as Nag Panchami, Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej that brought all of us together as families. We also witnessed Indian Independence Day celebrations which were filled with the pseudo-nationalist gimmicks of "Har Ghar Jhanda" and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav campaigns when the core democratic values of right to freedom of speech, secularism, fraternity and social justice have been held hostage by the current government. It is in this context that we share the poem, though first published last year but still relevant today, whose essence is captured by the phrase "Bhartiyo se mohabbat karlo, bharat se apne aap ho jaegi" (Loving your fellow Indians will inevitably make you love India). Also, read what HfHR Members' Reflections are on 75 Years of Indian Independence.
It is in this spirit that, over the past month, we have sprung into action, continuing our advocacy for pluralism, civil rights, and human rights for all in a number of fields—including some powerful in-person events. Read on to learn more!
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