Chennai: Some memories always remain fresh in one’s mind. More so, if the incident is a historic event.
On this Independence Day, News Today catches up with ex-serviceman Vancheesan, who was six at the time India became free.
“A day before Independence was announced, freedom fighters and police personnel knocked on the doors of every house and informed that the British will be leaving our country soon,” said the Camp Road resident.
“At the time, I was residing in Triplicane. The joy people felt then cannot be explained in words.There were happy faces everywhere, while everyone was eagerly waiting for the clock to strike 12 midnight,” he says.
“While there were no fireworks in my area, many people sang ‘Aaduvomey Pallu Paaduvomey’ together. The song still resonates in my ears,” he said with a smile.
Houses were decorated and people were out on the streets, sharing their happiness with each other, he adds.
“On 15 August, when I went to school, they gave us sweets and milk powder. To be honest, I did not realise the significance of the event at the time,” he confesses.
On the changes that had taken place in the country over the years, he said there was more discipline during the British rule.
“Jobs were given based on merit and there was no reservation of any kind. Britishers would recognise talent and all they expected was that the work should be done. Most trades were done in barter system. There was no electricity, but there was one oil lamp in Central station, which will be lit in the evening,” he states.
“The horse battalion stationed on Mount Road had lots of people visiting it. Although the police kept an eye on freedom fighters, the general public were not disturbed in any way,” he says, adding that he had joined the Air Force and moved to Camp Road in 1978.
“Back then, this place was called Solaiyur, and was a major hunting spot for deer and peacocks,” he says. As for the administration, he says, the situation has reversed now. “Lack of proper governance is clearly visible in the country,” he sighs.
He can be reached at 044 22290546.