I was born in the city of Bombay ... once upon a time. No, that won't do, there's no getting away from the date: I was born in Doctor Narlikar's Nursing Home on August 15th, 1947. And the time? The time matters, too. Well then: at night. No, it's important to be more ... On the stroke of midnight, as a matter of fact. Clock-hands joined palms in respectful greeting as I came. Oh, spell it out, spell it out: at the precise instant of India's arrival at independence, I tumbled forth into the world.
In "Midnight's Children," Salman Rushdie begins by detailing his birth in Bombay, a moment intricately tied to the history of India. He emphasizes the significance of the date, August 15, 1947, which is not only his birthday but also marks India's independence. The specific timing of his birth, precisely at midnight, symbolizes his deep connection to this pivotal historical event.
Rushdie's narrative reflects on the intertwined fates of his life and the newly independent nation. By presenting his birth as an event of great national importance, he establishes a profound link between personal and collective histories, inviting readers to consider the impact of historical moments on individual lives.
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