For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go.
Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH
MEHR-UL-HAQ,
Rickshaw-wallah, Calcutta
I come from Bihar. I think of Calcutta as another
country. I don't like it as much as Bihar. I came here to
work. I think there is too much thuggery here. I like
Bihar because the harvest is good.
This is very hard work. There are rickshaws in Bihar, but
I feel ashamed to drive them there, in front of my
people.
I don't think of Hindus and Muslims as separate. All
humans are equal. We all live together in the villages.
We even lend each other money. Azadi doesn't
inspire me.
What is azadi when man pulls man?
For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go. 
MEHR-UL-HAQ,
Rickshaw-wallah, Calcutta 
