And for me, it is a day of remembrance, not celebration.
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” — Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet
A. It Began as Empire Day
Did you know that what we call Commonwealth Day today actually began as Empire Day? Yes. Since 1902, England celebrated Queen Victoria’s birthday as Empire Day. Across the countries they ruled, grand celebrations were held. Then, in 1958, Empire Day morphed into Commonwealth Day and was later moved from her birthday in May to the second Monday of March so that schoolchildren around the world could celebrate.
Tomorrow is the second Monday of March—Commonwealth Day. And no, I’m not going to wish you a “Happy Commonwealth Day.” Instead, I wish you a day of remembrance and reflection because I don’t believe we should celebrate something that is a remnant of colonial rule.
B. What Exactly Is This Commonwealth?
At first, the Commonwealth was formed in 1931, granting legislative independence to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc., while they continued to remain loyal to the Crown. After India gained independence, we, too, joined the club as a republic, with King George VI serving as only a symbolic head. A strange decision, if you ask me, but I guess Nehru had his own reasons for wanting to stay connected with the British and making regular trips to London.Its membership grew over the years as more and more countries gained independence. In 2012, the Commonwealth Charter was formulated, outlining democracy and other feel-good rights for its 56 member states.
C. What Does This Forum Do Today?
Well, I guess it’s just another global forum. We have the G7, G20, BRICS, etc., and also this—Commonwealth. A community of all those who were colonized. It holds meetings (called CHOGM) every two years to discuss trade, climate, and youth issues. Commonwealth Day is observed every year on the second Monday of March, which is tomorrow. And every four years, the Commonwealth Games take place.
D. Does It Need to Exist? If So, in What Form?
What is its true significance for former colonies like India, which has now become bigger and more important on the global stage than its colonizer, the U.K.? Does it contribute anything meaningful that the United Nations or other international forums do not?
We now have a government committed to Bharat and focused on decolonization. Do we really need to participate in this forum? Yes, we share a colonial past with the other 56 member nations. But where is the collective remembrance of the atrocities suffered under British rule? I checked. CHOGM meetings offer plenty of diplomatic, feel-good talk—but no acknowledgment of the struggles that led to independence.
E. Decolonize Our Thinking: Begin by Changing the Names
I don’t agree with Shakespeare. The name Commonwealth doesn’t smell sweet to me at all. It reeks of subjugation. Let’s, therefore, seek to change its name and own our identity—not just ours, but that of all 56 colonized countries.
We’ve renamed cities and roads—Madras to Chennai, Bombay to Mumbai, Allahabad to Prayagraj, Aurangzeb Road to Abdul Kalam Road. Why not rename this forum to something like Liberty Alliance something that reflects autonomy rather than subjugation?
We have recently begun honoring those who died and suffered during Partition with Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on August 14. Why can’t Commonwealth Day be repurposed to recognize the sacrifices made across all 56 countries in their respective fights for freedom and be called Liberty Day? And instead of the Commonwealth Games, they can be called Liberty Games. That way, we will truly honor those who fought to break free from the clutches of colonial rule.
My life’s purpose is not just to preserve, protect, and promote our knowledge systems, culture, and traditions but to help fellow Indians decolonize themselves and develop a sense of pride in our identity and civilizational heritage. For I truly believe Atmanirbhar Bharat is only possible when we are filled with Atma-Abhiman.
And that is why it is not a happy Commonwealth Day for me.
Hari’s Curries A buffet of reflections