Two days of celebration have brought joy and colour to West Yorkshire as Pakistan and India celebrated their independence days, marking 77 years of independence from Great Britain. Pakistan celebrated their Independence Day on 14 August while India celebrated theirs on 15 August.
The neighbouring countries have been at crossroads for decades, ever since the partition dividing them took place in 1947. With one of the most militarised international borders in the world, tensions have been simmering between both countries for over 70 years. According to a profile published by Bradford Council, Bradford has the second highest population nationally of people who identify as Pakistani, at 25.5%, while 2.6% identify as Indian. This year’s Independence Day was celebrated in unity among the community, amidst nationwide riots targeting both minorities.
“With the recent riots across the country, this celebration seems more important so as to make everyone aware of our history,” said 24-year-old Jhanvi Charkhawala, an Indian resident of Leeds. She laughingly acknowledged the irony of celebrating Independence Day in the country they became independent from.
Some argue that though the countries have gained independence, they aren’t truly independent, especially with the political challenges being faced by both countries. Issues such as inequality, corruption, and religious extremism raise concerns about the extent to which independence has been achieved.
“We are not entirely independent from customs and beliefs of the past,” said 22-year-old Aryananda, an Indian student living in Leeds. “Especially in the way women are treated. If half of the population doesn’t feel safe in their homeland, how can we celebrate Independence Day?”
Despite such challenges, Indian and Pakistani communities have come together to overcome adversity and celebrate their heritage. The Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire hosted celebrations on the Independence Day of Pakistan, drawing crowds of more than 400 people from various ethnic backgrounds. The society’s General Secretary, Naveeda Ikram, spoke about the significance of celebrating with other communities.
“We should promote positivity and inclusion among our communities,” she said. “With these events, we celebrate our similarities to bring the community closer.”
Several events are organised in Bradford every year to celebrate Independence Days of both countries. Cultural events range from traditional music and dance performances, to fashion shows and food festivals. These events foster a sense of community and friendship among residents of Pakistani and Indian heritage.
“I attend these events and feel pride and gratitude,” said Dr Manoj Joshi, a community leader in Bradford of Indian heritage. “Had it not been for all the sacrifices made by our predecessors, we would not be able to live in such peace and harmony.”
Even with several linguistic and cultural ties, Pakistanis and Indians are known to view each other negatively. However, Pakistanis and Indians living in West Yorkshire disagree with this perspective.
“There is no distinction here,” said Faisal Khan, a finance expert of Pakistani descent and a member of Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire. “That’s the great thing about Britain. We are born together, we are raised together, and we live in harmony.”
He highlighted the importance of celebrating Independence Day to bring the community closer and bond over cultural similarities shared by diaspora of various nations residing in West Yorkshire. Jhanvi Charkhawala agrees, saying she “sees any South Asian person as a Desi rather than Indian or Pakistani.”
26-year-old Abdullah Khan, a Pakistani student living in Keighley blames the governments of both countries for the animosity between Indians and Pakistanis.
“Our institutions brainwash us into hating each other so they can benefit from it,” he said. “This could change if our politicians decide not to be hostile to each other, and let democracy lead.”
Many agree that international events like the Olympics bring together
Pakistani and Indian communities, highlighting the story of Pakistani gold medallist Arshad Nadeem and Indian silver medallist Neeraj Chopra, who formed a close bond at the Olympics.
“We celebrate independence, but we are also interdependent,” Dr Joshi explained. “We are interdependent, and we need to co-exist peacefully.”
The South Asian community in West Yorkshire have proved that the celebrations are more than just festivities. They reflect the rich heritage and shared history of the South Asian community. The journey to true independence is ongoing and can only be achieved with warm cooperation and kinship.
