227 years ago today, the flag of Great Britain was raised by Governor Arthur Phillip at Port Jackson, New South Wales, effectively claiming the land for the British Crown. Today, January 26th is observed as Australia Day and it is a public holiday.
I don't know if you know the other side of the story but many of the natives of what is now Australia regard January 26 as a day when they were invaded by the British. Some even call it "Invasion Day".
We all know that January 26 is also a significant day for India. 66 years ago today, the Indian nation established itself as a new country by signing the world's longest constitution with 117,369 words. India was ruled by the British for two centuries and had grown weary of their dominion by the middle of the 20th century. India won its independence through peaceful means under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi on 15th August 1947. On 26th January 1950, it declared itself a sovereign republic.
I come from a culture that's foreign to the dominant culture of both Australia and India. In India, I am a minority. My people account for about 1% or less. In Australia, I can almost count with my fingers people I knew from India.
When I think about how some indigenous Australians resent the idea of celebrating what they view as a dark day for their nation, I wonder if they pause to think of the good that has come through the British "invaders". My people - the Mizo people - were sovereign prior to 1872. The British came, subdued the chiefs and incorporated us into the then British-India. We lost our sovereignty but we gained access to the outside world which, in my opinion, opened more avenues for the pursuit of happiness. The most important of all was the sacrifice of non-government people from the UK with a zeal to share true happiness found in Jesus.
Nationalists often highlight the negative impact of the British government's ventures in India. And I believe indigenous Australians wrestle with the popular narrative in Australia too. There's no denying that natives of both countries suffered loss as a result of the British entering their lands but equally undeniable is the fact that through the "invaders" we are able to celebrate and enjoy life at a level some countries will not achieve in a hundred years. Yes, I mean a hundred years!
Today, India is considered a thriving democracy participating in the activities of the international community largely because the founding fathers believed in the values of western liberal democratic system. If you don't believe me, just check out our neighbour - Pakistan. Today, the world saw the warm embrace of the world's oldest and largest democracies when US President Obama and Indian PM Modi shared the stage in New Delhi.
Australia is one of the most successful nations in the world with a high standard of living at par with most developed countries. Perhaps, that is why 16000 foreigners chose to become Australian citizens today. The majority of them are from the UK. Guess who came next? Of course, Indians. So...there you go! Former US President Ronald Reagan said America was the "shining city upon a hill". Australia would be the shining city down under.
Life in this world is always about my right being trampled upon by someone else. But if you look at the bigger picture, especially in Australia and in India, why would you not appreciate and embrace a system that allows you to reach your potential? For the cricket-loving Indian, the oppressor's sport has become his most beloved gift. My history professor Hasan Yusuf of St.Edmund's College, Shillong often said to us, "If President Clinton was asked to govern India, he would not do it!". True, not even the leader of the US would be able to run our country. Yet, for the last 66 years, despite the tragedies that have visited India, we have managed to govern ourself with great success. One can only give credit to the daring and hopeful spirit of the people of India whose desire to secure their future have propelled the country way forward.
Happy Republic Day. Happy Australia day!
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