On Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day, Google paid tribute to the country by featuring the Indus River dolphin in a special doodle. This unique aquatic creature symbolized Pakistan’s journey towards self-determination and sovereignty.
The doodle description acknowledged Pakistan’s struggle for independence, which culminated on August 14, 1947, when the country gained freedom after nearly two centuries of British rule. The doodle emphasized the role of the Pakistan Movement led by the All-India Muslim League and Muhammad Ali Jinnah in achieving this goal.
The Independence Day celebrations included a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals as a mark of respect. Pakistani citizens across the nation waved the national flag and sang the national anthem. The festivities centered in Islamabad, where the president and prime minister delivered speeches highlighting national heroes, recent achievements, and future aspirations.
The doodle also spotlighted the Indus River dolphin, an endangered toothed whale species also known as “bhulan” in Urdu and Sindhi. These dolphins, found off the coasts of Pakistan, are especially present in Sindh. They face numerous threats, including unsustainable fishing practices, canal stranding, and the release of untreated industrial effluents into the river.
Living in the murky waters for millions of years, these dolphins have evolved to be blind, relying on echolocation for navigation. However, their habitat has dwindled due to the construction of dams, barrages, and reservoirs for agricultural purposes, resulting in a decline in their population.
Google’s doodle paid homage to Pakistan’s history and the plight of the Indus River dolphin, shedding light on the country’s natural heritage and ongoing conservation challenges.
