Being an Army officer and Vir Chakra awardee’s granddaughter, I always had love and patriotism in my heart for my country. Being a Tennis player, recently hearing about Samia Mirza’s retirement after this season, the first thing I thought was how much she has provided to the growth and development of Temis in India. Every time I listen to the virtuosity of our brilliant musicians, and the beautiful renditions of ‘Vande Mataram’ I get tears, and while listening to goose bumps white listening to ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘Hindustani’ my heart bursts with pride everytime I watch the
winning 6 of the 2011 cricket would cup, everytime I hear ‘India! India! being chanted at a stadium. I get inspired by the powerful speeches and books published by Indians, recently reading the book ‘Fearless Governance’ published by Dr. Kiran Bedi made a big impact on me. Watching our Indian Olympians and paralympians do so well and win Laurels for our country, gave me a lot of inspiration. I know our India is far from perfect, but what is perfection? It is just an illusion…. We can always get better but never perfect for their is ALWAYS room for improvement. Here are 7 reasons (of many) to be proud of our country

1.  India was the first country to have a provision of miscarriage leaves. 
2.  We are on the track to meet the climate change mitigation commitments. We are also the only country to do so among G-20 nations. 
3.   We are the first nation in the world to put the mars orbiter Mission into orbit in the first attempt. 
4.  Our Constitution calls for inclusive secularism
5.   India's UPL payment system has been a phenomenal success! 
6.  India has extremely progressive abortion laws.
7.  India gave everyone the right to vote from the first election

And on a lighter note, what would you choose? Rajma Chawal or Baked beans on toast ?…. Hmm, ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’s Right? Happy Independence Day India! I’m always going to be a proud Indian and shout “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” every chance I get🇮🇳

– Devina Saxena