India can be the best in the world-Mishal

As our 63rd Independence Day approaches, we feel a sense of pride thinking of the tricolour fluttering atop the Red Fort, like it did on August 15th, 1947. The thought brings goosebumps to every Indian, who loves and respects their Motherland. Mishal Raheja, the anchor of Mano Ya Na Mano, is one of the billion Indians who feels this way.

He gets candid with us a week before Independence Day and shares with us what freedom means to him and what message he would like the future generation to take forward.

Who is your favourite national hero?

Rajiv Gandhi.

What makes you a proud Indian?

I never valued my country and its rich heritage until I went to America for my studies. We Indians might overlook so many things, our country offers, but the Americans hold India in high regard. They have immense respect for our country's rich heritage and culture. It always gave me pride when they praised my country.

How do you think we have progressed after 63 years of independence?

Youth of today is so laidback and has absolutely no idea about their culture and heritage. They need to be enlightened and told about the achievements of our nation so that they start respecting it. We need to acknowledge what we have achieved and where we have reached. Sacrifices of the real heroes of the nation who laid down their lives for us and our betterment.

Where do you see us a decade later?

Currently, we are the third largest economy in the world. And 10 years down the line, I see ourselves marching ahead of all in terms of infrastructure and standard of living. I see my country as one of the leading nations developed with more educated people, rather 100 percent education. Education is the foundation of any developed and progressive nation.

What do you do August 15th?

Though I am against giving money to juveniles on street but on the Independence day going against my rule, I buy our national flag from them, as many as I spot on every signal.

What are your childhood memories for Independence day?

I remember the flag hoisting ceremony at my school. As a child, the desire to do something for our country used to be at its peak. We used to sing patriotic songs the whole day.

How do you express your patriotism to the nation?

By respecting our tradition and passing it on to our younger generation. Not spoiling the beauty of our country and maligning the name and respect that it has earned and not brining shame but pride to our nation.

According to you, who are the three women who have taken India to newer heights, in the last 10 years?

1. Sonia Gandhi: One needs to salute the courage and guts of the lady. She isn't born here and despite the opposition and criticism is holding the reigns of the nation and taking us to the road of development and progress. It exemplifies the strength of the lady.

2. Saina Nehwal for bringing us glory and fame. She came into limelight after winning the gold medal on June 21, 2009 and becoming the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament, by clinching the Indonesian Open by defeating Chinese Wang Lin in Jakarta.

3. Dr. Kiran Bedi

Three myths about India that you want the world to dismiss, because its high time?

1. Indians never create ruckus abroad. They don't spoil the beauty and never litter. They go abroad to earn money for the betterment of their family and come back.

2. We aren't racists.

3. We don't want any wars with any country whatsoever.

What do you want teenagers and your fans to remember or do for our country?

The difficulty with which we have got our independence. They need to study our culture and value the freedom. We are recognised across the globe for our rich culture and heritage. we need to keep your country clean and not litter around. We need to create awareness about the advantage of education. Youth must try educate street kids.

Mishal Raheja is all set for the second season of Mano Ya Na Mano. The show brings to focus commoners who possess unusual and inexplicable powers and events that are beyond the imagination and spectrum of the human mind. The show whose first season was hosted by Irrfan Khan will see a new host in its second season. The show is expected to air sometime soon.