With Independence Day around the corner, Maheen was nervously fidgeting as she had yet to prepare for the occasion. She peeked outside the window and observed that almost every house on the street was festooned with bright green and white flags and buntings, except for hers. She was anxious to go with her elder brother to get the Independence Day decorations, yet he continued to procrastinate every day.

“I will certainly not let him get away with it today,” Maheen thought, making up her mind.

So, when her brother came home from work in the evening, she reminded him of his promise, and, to her amazement, he agreed without any delay.

The stalls at the market were full of a dazzling array of colours. Both of them were mesmerised by the vibrant sea of stalls sprawled in every direction. Each stall was displaying a variety of flags, buntings, balloons, fairy lights, bangles and t-shirts. Vendors were proclaiming their bargain offers enthusiastically, while children, eyes wide with fascination, hovered around each stall, imploring their parents and elders to buy the items on display.

Meanwhile, national songs played in the background and made the environment even more patriotic. After spending an hour shopping, Maheen had completed her list except for buying the flag. She wanted to buy the largest flag to hoist on her house. Her eyes scanned the variety of flags, searching for the perfect one.

“There it is!” she shouted as her eyes landed on the flag of her choice. The flag was a bit pricey, but looking at her little sister’s determination her brother conceded.

With the flag in hand and all the other items intact, they made their way home, where they eagerly decorated the house and hoisted the flag, making everything look just as Maheen had envisioned.

“Isn’t our house looking the prettiest of all?” implored Maheen gazing with pride at the twinkling fairy lights.

Nodding in affirmation and adjusting his glasses, her brother asked, “Do you know the true meaning of independence, Maheen?”

Maheen nodded in affirmation.

“Perhaps you don’t. What if I restricted you from buying the flag of your choice? What if I bought you stuff that I wanted and not the ones you wanted? Or what if you asked mum to make your favourite rice dish, but instead, she gave you bread and butter? Or what if our parents had said, ‘No you cannot study; work at home and that’s your life,’ and you find yourself denied the use of using your own stuff as you wanted!”

“But this is cruel!” Maheen said disappointedly.

“Yes, it’s absolutely cruel.”

“So, aren’t you living a life just like you wanted it? Do you now understand the true meaning of the independence you enjoy in your own home today? Decades ago, the Muslims of the subcontinent lacked this freedom. They yearned for their own separate identity, the ability to live freely and the right to practice their own religious and cultural values.”

Maheen looked at Maaz bhai in disbelief.

“I am not going to lecture you on this, but remember, August 14 is a day to thank and honour the sacrifices of our forefathers who dreamt of and fought for a separate homeland for Muslims — Pakistan. This day signifies our distinct identity as a nation!”

Maheen seemed to be dumbstruck.

Maaz continued. “You, know little buddy, you should be proud that our beautiful homeland is rich in culture, with diverse landscapes; ranging from the soaring Himalayas and K-2, to beautiful lakes, flowing rivers, fertile lands and far-reaching deserts. Each of our country’s provinces has distinctive languages, food, agricultural products and traditions, thus bringing an array of colours to our nation’s identity.

“We are gifted with valuable resources, now it is the responsibility of you all to present to the world the real face of our country by fulfilling the vision of our leaders. So are you ready to contribute?”

“Me?” Maheen was taken aback at the sudden question.

“Yes, you!” said Maaz bhai. “Okay, let me make things easier for you, I contribute by being respectful with all the people I meet, after all, I am an educated person. I don’t spit, I don’t litter and I am always ready to volunteer my time to help those in need or participate in community projects; I follow laws and support local businesses to boost the economy. I conserve resources and protect the environment. I pay my taxes to support government services. And above all, I can be a positive role model for others, especially the younger generation.

Maheen smiled. Her brother revealing a whole new world to her. She had always taken living in her home for granted, but today she realised the true significance of being in her homeland.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 10th, 2024