Being an Indian means everything to me. I will never ever marry a non-Indian and stay away from India. I cannot even think of living anywhere but in India. My culture, my tradition and my identity as an Indian are very, very important to me.

I feel very angry and sad when youngsters say, 'I don't like India. I want to get out of here. India is dirty, etc.' I tell them, 'You better not say such things about India'.

I was recently in London on a holiday and you should have seen the way people looked up at an Indian -- all with new respect. I felt so proud to listen to all those compliments. Probably it all started with the so called IT revolution.

I feel so emotional and proud when I hear our national anthem especially when we sing 'Jaya hé, jaya hé, jaya hé...' Whenever I hear the national anthem, I stand up. It doesn't matter where I am, I have to stand up. That's what we are taught as children; that we have to be proud of our country. I am very, very proud of my country.

My first fond memories of Independence Day was colouring tiny Indian flags and selling them for 25 paise outside my house. I also made sure that all who bought them wore the flag. It was only later that I understood what Independence Day really meant to all of us.

Let me be honest with you, I don't go out and celebrate I-Day but it is a very special day for me.