Sault College celebrates India's Independence Day (6 photos)

Irshad Mohammad beamed proudly for the throng of onlookers at Sault College Thursday, as he prepared to raise India’s national flag outside of the college. 

“This is a special day where India got its independence from British rule, and today, it’s a big day for all the Indians,” Mohammad told SooToday prior to the flag raising ceremony. “We celebrate this. It’s our 73rd Independence Day.”

It was on August 15, 1947 when India broke away from British rule and established its own nation, and it was also when India and Pakistan first became two separate countries.

Mohammad says that he was literally in tears when Sault College initially approved India's Independence Day celebrations on campus.  

“Feeling pride, feeling important far away from the country,” Mohammad said. “That was a special feeling when I got to know Sault College is helping international students celebrate.” 

“It’s really awesome, and I really appreciate that.”

Before the flag was raised and the anthem was performed in front of Sault College, representatives of the school took to the podium, all echoing the same sentiment to the Indian students gathered there: You are welcome here, and you’re considered family. 

“I understand that you’re very far from home - you’re far from the celebrations your families are having right now, and my message to you is that we’re kind of like your family here,” said Sault College International and Recruitment Manager Jennifer Johnson. “Please be welcome to share your excitement with us today.”

“I acknowledge that we’re celebrating a very important day in the history of India. I’m glad to be a part of the celebration.”

Mohammad hails from the city of Hyderabad, a city of more than six million people in southern India. 

He says that given the freedom he and other Indians have to recognize and celebrate their culture in the Sault, the culture shock that comes with moving from a large city in India to a small town in Canada has been manageable. 

“It’s a completely different experience,” said Mohammad of his transition to Sault Ste. Marie. “Being an international student, coming from far - travelling thousands of kilometres, travelling three oceans - it’s a really long distance.”

“We stay here for years - if we go back to our place, that would be awesome, but we will be staying here for years, and we will be celebrating our festivals,” he continued enthusiastically. “Sault College is helping us do all the events which we used to celebrate back in India.”

Independence Day is celebrated with flag raising, drill and anthem singing events throughout India annually on Aug. 15, and is considered a national holiday.

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