Azadi presents an intensive picture of the consequence of the traumatic experience of partition and history. Chaman Nahal has depicted the horrors of partition by focusing on the life of Lela Kanski Ram of Sialkot. The novel highlights the positive as well as the negative side of the complex problems.

Captain Vibram Batra, PVC (9 September 1974 – 7 July 1999) was an officer of the Indian Army, posthumously awarded with the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest and most prestigious award for valour, for his actions during the 1999 Cargill War in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

My heart fills up with happiness and joy when I see the verdict of the Supreme Court on Section 377 as it has been repealed and stands nullified today onwards.

I am overcome by a sense of grief as nostalgic memories rush through my senses when I think of the 

transgender who had been employed as our nanny when we were barely 7-8 years old.

Now I feel is the right time to come out with my story. Here it goes:

After independence, I was born in the family of a major general Makhsooim Haider in Kashmir. Due to proximity to the Nehru’s family my father was handed over the post of governor of Kashmir post-independence. As our parents would stay out mostly my father hired a governess to take care of us.

As  it was a trend among rich Muslim families to get a transgender so my father did the same and got 

Almeida for us.  Her real name was Fatima Begum. She was a pious devoted Muslim and would read Namaz 5 times daily. She would care for us like a mother would. Sadly I had to see Almeida struggling for identity and being discriminated by society on a daily basis. She was a kind and compassionate soul and would never miss a fast and prayers but yet she was not allowed in the mosque and forbidden to look at it even. However every Thursday she would go to a mazaar named after Kashmiri Saint Nizamuddin  Khwaja and spend a night there. I vividly remember how she received slur on the roads and was jeered by the anti-social elements of the society. 

Almeida never responded to the taunts and would walk silently instead but many times I noticed her eyes would turn moist and that would break my heart. I would often pick up quarrels with the people who died at her and often end up fighting with my schoolmates as well but every time Almeida would ask for forgiveness for my schoolmates and pray for them. She had accepted her position in society and endured all the pain by herself. 

One day a neighbour went beyond name-calling and abducted her while my parents were away for work and I was in school. All his friends and he stripped her naked and sexually assaulted her. They then left her in front of our house profusely bleeding and nearly killed her.  I came back from school to find Almeida breathing hard curled up in her own blood outside on the porch.

I fling myself upon her crying incessantly. 

Later that week my parents thought of filing a police complaint but the offender was a famous militant commander and threatened my father with dire consequences. After this incident, Almeida left our house forever and never returned.

As a society, we failed her and continue to do so. We consider these innocent transgenders as freaks, 

only because we don’t understand their sexuality. The court may have upheld their right to equality but  our society fails to accept these individuals as they are.

The ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Essay in English’ provides a detailed look at India’s struggle for freedom and its celebration. It explains the historical background, mentioning important events, leaders, and sacrifices the at led to India gaining independence. The essay also highlights the significance of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, which remembers these important moments in India’s history. This essay offers insights into India’s path to freedom and how the nation continues to cherish its heritage.

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Essay in English – 200 words

The ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is a special effort by the Indian government to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence and its rich history, culture, and achievements. It’s dedicated to the Indian people who have played a big role in India’s progress and are working towards a stronger ‘India 2.0’ through ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). The 75-week countdown started on March 12, 2021, and the official journey will end on August 15, 2023, exactly one year later.

The Mahotsav aims to celebrate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. It stands on five pillars: the fight for independence, the ideas, achievements, actions, and resolutions of 75 years. These pillars help teach the next generation about our history and the struggle for freedom.

For 200 years, India endured British colonial rule, but its spirit to overcome hardships never wavered. Like a phoenix, India emerged from its challenging history to stand prominently on the global stage today. It’s a land where the Vedas and Upanishads were written. India’s uniqueness, richness, wisdom, and heritage are unparalleled.

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Festival of Freedom, marks India’s 75 years of independence from British rule. It’s celebrated with joy and patriotism nationwide.

India’s Independence Journey: India’s path to freedom was marked by sacrifices and determination. Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose, and Bhagat Singh inspired millions with non-violent movements and unity, leading to independence in 1947.

Significance: It’s not just a celebration; it’s a time for reflection and gratitude. We honor freedom fighters’ sacrifices and their vision for a prosperous India, fostering pride and patriotism.

Unity in Diversity: Mahotsav showcases India’s rich heritage, promoting unity among diverse regions, languages, and religions, emphasizing harmonious coexistence.

Inspiring the Youth: Celebrations inspire youth to carry forward ideals of freedom, democracy, and equality, nurturing responsible citizenship.

Progress and Achievements: While remembering the past, Mahotsav highlights India’s growth in science, technology, space, economy, projecting it as a global power.

Nationwide Celebrations: Throughout the year, events like cultural programs, exhibitions, and seminars celebrate freedom’s spirit and India’s diverse culture.

Conclusion: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav isn’t just about the past; it’s about recommitting to ideals that shaped our nation. By cherishing freedom, upholding democratic values, and working together, we can build a brighter future for India. Jai Hind!

The march calls for greater accountability for violence against women and supports women who experience violence and harassment at the hands of security forces, in public spaces, at home, and in the workpl

Aurat March (AM) and Aurat Azadi March (AAM) are an organised feminist political collective with independent chapters in different cities in Pakistan that work towards holding an annual march on International Working Women’s Day. Both AM and AAM are feminist struggles for bodily, democratic, economic, and social rights of women and gender and sexual minorities in Pakistan. 

The first AM and AAM took place on International Women’s Day in 2018 in Karachi and Islamabad respectively. In 2018, the March was largely ignored by state and society. However in 2019 society started paying attention and the slogan ‘Mera Jism, Meri Marzi’ (My Body, My Choice) resulted in extensive backlash online and offline. 

Today, the struggle has expanded, and Aurat March takes place in Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, while Aurat Azaadi March takes place in Hyderabad and Islamabad.  

AM and AAM face extensive backlash, including: delegitimisation and non-recognition of the issue/group​; explicit violence and threats of violence against volunteers and participants; ​stigmatisation and vilification of participants and volunteers; deliberate lack of bureaucratic implementation (delays/inaction/active stalling/transparency)​; and regressive laws and harmful administrative reforms.