Google on Monday, displayed a doodle on its search page to celebrate India’s 76th Independence Day. The Doodle, illustrated by Kerala-based guest artist Neethi, shows India celebrating 75 years of its Independence on August 15 with soaring kites symbolizing the country has achieved great heights.

Independence Day 2022 Doodle “depicts the culture around kites – from the craft of creating bright beautiful kites to the cheerful experience of a community coming together. The vast expanse of sky brightly speckled with soaring kites is a colourful symbol of the great heights we have achieved. The GIF animation adds dynamism and brings the doodle alive.” This day commemorates India’s independence from colonial rule after two centuries of oppression and suppression at the hands of the British. The celebration of Independence Day honours the sacrifices and tireless efforts of our courageous leaders and freedom fighters who gave their entire life for the sake of the nation and the countrymen.

Sharing his thought about the Doodle, artist Neethi said that one of our fondest memories, the age-old tradition of kite-flying has been integral to the Indian Independence Day festivities.
Freedom fighters used kites to write anti-colonial slogans and flew them in the sky as a mark of protest.

Neethi said “A Kites are also an outlet for artistic expression- many of them carry trendy motifs or even social messages. I have drawn kites depicting our national colours, a message of love and commemorating the 75 years of Indian independence. They fly as high as skyscrapers, birds and I’d like to believe the sun!”

The lengthy struggle for freedom resulted in the birth of the largest democracy in the world. Heroic freedom fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, led the country’s independence movement through civil disobedience and nonviolent protests.

The government of India has organised several events this year under the banner of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav,’ with the theme ‘Nation First, Always First.’ The government also plans to hoist 200 million tricolours to commemorate the occasion.

The Red Fort in Delhi hosts the largest annual celebration, where the Prime Minister raises the tricolour in synchronization with a 21-gun salute. After the Prime Minister delivers his televised speech, a patriotic parade honours members of the Indian armed forces and police.

Sharing his thought about the Doodle, artist Neethi said that one of our fondest memories, the age-old tradition of kite-flying has been integral to the Indian Independence Day festivities.

When asked did he draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? Are there specific elements of the artwork that have symbolic meaning? Neethi said, “Kites are also an outlet for artistic expression- many of them carry trendy motifs or even social messages. I have drawn kites depicting our national colours, a message of love and commemorating the 75 years of Indian independence. They fly as high as skyscrapers, and birds and I’d like to believe the sun!”