So, we’re nearing the celebration of our 69th Independence Day; Indians, all over the world, would come together to celebrate their pride, their victory over the British! We share the same emotions, except that we wish to celebrate it slight differently this year.

We had “One Fight”, “One Struggle” and eventually “One Victory over One Enemy”. The war was never between Hindu and Muslims; it was never about culture, religion and languages. What kept us united, irrespective of the color, caste and creed, was the love for the Motherland. We did win over the British but we lost a significant part of us. The boundaries were marked and the same people who were the progeny of this one nation till August 12, 1947, suddenly became enemies of each other.

What happened was unfortunate! But what is even more unfortunate is that the war between these two nations fails to cease. The perpetually ongoing debates on who caused such a brutal division will not stop either.

However, our undying faith remains that we were one before August 13 and we still are! There is a resemblance, a sense of familiarity when we look across the border and gaze into their eyes. The farmers sow the same seeds, the musicians play the same beat, the sportsmen run on the same field. There are similar emotions when a daughter gets married, when a brother dies, when a baby is born. People pray in similar Mosques, in similar clothes. Then why does the notion – “we’re different” still prevail?

Reitu Prakash

We, at En Route Thursdays, just wish to spread this small message of love across the borders! Our earnest desire would always be creating the same brotherhood among both the nations again. Yes, the line should never have been drawn but that can not be undone. What could be undone and what should be eradicated thoroughly is the belief that we are different; the belief that we are not brothers and sisters and the hatred that some people still have for others. It’s about time we let go of the past and embrace each other with indestructible love and peace! May be, that would be Independence in a true sense.

En Route Thursday is a small music community, based out of Delhi NCR with the mission of creating music and spreading love. The community connects people with the passion for music, especially the ones who get no time from their daily 9 to 6 job, and gives them a platform to showcase their talent. They call themselves “music enthusiasts” and are open to one and all. They have done quite a few live shows and produced a handful of music videos as well.

You can watch their work on their YouTube channel (EnRouteThursdays). Their latest video, “Project – Desh” is set to release this Independence weekend and encompasses the same message of “We’re still One”.

The group believes that music can indeed unite both the countries and this song (to be released on 16th August) embarks their honest effort to extend a hand of friendship to our neighbors. They have already posted their idea on their Facebook page and have gained few supporters from across the border as well.