The Day I Received

I never thought of going abroad as a job seeker, in my younger years, since I had a job in India. As such, I did not even apply for a Passport until the age of forty. Going to foreign countries on a tourist visa, was also not in my mind, as it was a costly affair, for a person like me, some three decades back.

Nevertheless, I applied for a passport, to the authorities concerned, submitted all the required certificates, photos, etc. for issuance of a Passport. I need to specify the names of two respectable persons of the nearby locality, with their profession and full address in the application, as references, which too was provided by me. After a few weeks, police verification was also completed, as per rules. 

As I was not in a hurry to get my passport, I just forgot to follow up with the authorities to know about the status of its issuance. However, after fifteen days, the postman delivered my Passport to me. I just opened the cover and took my passport in hand and read out all the details. I found no spelling errors and it was all perfect. It was printed as the Republic of India, on its hardcover. I was happy holding my passport and felt proud as a citizen of my country, at that moment.

Then, I thought, my Passport was the first and foremost essential travel document to go abroad. I could travel to any part of the world, provided I had a valid visa, ticket and could complete other formalities, as per the law.

Though I would be happy and proud always while hoisting our country’s tricolor flag, on 15th August, every year, since my childhood, I felt more proud as an Indian citizen, on receiving my Passport for the first time, in my life.

I still remember the day I received my passport for the first time, though my first traveling abroad happened only after the renewal of my first passport.