Indian Republic Day in Sao Paulo - 26Jan08

Three weekends have passed since the 3 of us arrived in Sao Paulo. We haven't gone any where beyond the office space yet. The laziness was catching up on us over the weekends, what with Sao Paulo caught in rain over the past 2 weekends.

But today, its a special day and a special occassion, a different one and that after our school days, we were going to be part of the republic day celebration at the Indian Consulate in Sao Paulo. Yesterday night we had planned to be there at the consulate at 103.0 AM dot for the flag hoisting at the Indian Consulate in Paulista Avenue.

The three Indian friends we found here in our hotel are very nice people and have been helping us since the day we got to Sao Paulo.

Its 10.15 AM in the morning and we are already late and were getting anxious that we might miss the flag hoisting. But, dada was quick to get to the breakfast table and grabbed something to eat quickly and just gulped a glass of juice and then the 6 of us were on our way in 2 taxis to the Paulista Avenue. We rushed to the elevator (its already well past 11 AM) and got down at the 7th floor which houses the Indian Consulate in Sao Paulo. Luckily as we would have it the flag hoisting was still to happen.

A few minutes later the flag was hoisted by the Indian Consulate official, with the National Anthem being played out from the audio system and everyone in the hall joining in unison in singing the national anthem. It was a unique feeling to be part of the Republican Day celeration away from home and one in which I got to be part of after the school days.

It was a melting pot, which Indians settled in Brazil wishing each other in Brazilian style by hugging each other and speaking very fluent Portungese. We met people from Indain software companies. It was intersting to know when one of the settled Indians told us that there is cricket league going on in Brazil, and if interested we could be part of it.

One of the Indian Restaurants had sponsored delicious Samosas, Jamuns and some nice Indian tea. After the President of India's message was read out, we helped ourselves to some good snacking.

Later, Chak De movie was played on a projector. It was a nice feeling to be part of the occasion and remind ourselves of the very roots we belong to and the Indianess that brings us together.

Jai Hind.