Oxford Union 
I  am sure many of us could compile a litany of accusations against the post-colonial world -- but for clarity, I am going to write from an Indian Perspective and British colonialism. As echoed by Sashi Tharoor during his speech at Oxford, ...." oppress, torture, imprison, deport and proscribe people for 200 years, and then take credit for the fact that they are democratic at the end of it." 

India, one of the pillars of civilizations, embraced a "live and let live" ethos and was one of the richest nations on Earth before the British arrived. Regrettably, the colonial era not only drained India (present-day India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan) but also sowed religious and ethnic divisions, curtailed women's rights, criminalized/regulated marriage equality, and introduced other detrimental policies. Large-scale conflicts between Hindus and Muslims (religiously defined), only began under colonial rule. 

Growing up, a focus on Eastern history and their dedication to science was paramount for me. I am grateful for being part of an educated household that emphasized the significance of understanding one's heritage, culture, and values accurately. I am also grateful for having friends and family of different and diverse cultures, their eagerness to learn, open-mindedness, and positive attitude. Like many others, my great-grandparents too fought for Independence from the British. Being truly educated doesn't mean having a fancy degree or going to university. It's ironic though that I am conveying these thoughts in English and am stuck following the English calendar. O well..gotta crack on. 

I read Tharoor's Inglorious Empire in 2017. Here's a link to his Oxford Speech, a must-watch if you haven't already. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7CW7S0zxv4