| Soaring spirit of freedom |
| Nina C George |
There is a large expat American community staying in the City. They celebrate their Independence Day, which falls on July 4, with fervour and emotions
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 Nationhood, it is said, is part fiction and part reality. This is confirmed by the spirit and gusto with which expatriate American community is getting ready to celebrate the American Independence Day on July 4, despite them staying in an alien country that is thousands of kilometres away from their homeland.
The sizeable American population in the City is all set to usher in another American Independence Day, in ways that are more American than can be done back home. Song, dance and of course friends will be the staple of the celebration in Bangalore.
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce has put together a bash for the Americans in the City. The choicest of American cuisines and performances such as square dancing, salsa... by Lourd Vijay will be the highlights of the bash. Besides, there will be scores of private parties on the occasion.
Those Americans, who are living here for a long while and never lose an opportunity to say they’ve merged in with the culture of the City, have invited their Indian friends for the occasion. Mickey Zarra with Ernst and Young says if it’s a weekend, he usually meets up with friends and plays a couple of rounds of golf. “We incorporate a lot of Indian tradition in our celebration. I don’t hoist the American flag here because of the restrictions but back in the United States I hoist both the Indian and American flag on their respective Independence Days,” he says.
It’s less than a week since Alan Erickson and his family moved into the City. They are upbeat about celebrating the American Independence Day. Besides, that day is also the birthday of their eldest daughter. “It’s a double treat and I am thrilled that we’re throwing a bash in a new, vibrant City. The fire of patriotism will burn bright no matter where an American will be,” says Alan.
Jhanavi Y Pathak, consultant with TCS, in the City, was born and bred in the United States. Her ancestors moved to the US to set up their business. As an Indian, who has lived in the US for most part of her life, Jhanavi says it calls for an extra celebration because, “as an Indian being able to transfer Indian food and culture to another country and that too independently and successfully is a great feeling,” says Jhanavi.
Fireworks, barbecue, road trips with friends and a get together with family typically mark all American Independence Day celebrations,” she says.
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