Let’s get this straight, Independence Day is here and what delights most of us is the long weekend we are getting this time. No issues, there is nothing to hide in feeling so, nor do I have any qualms in accepting the same. After all, we are all independent…at least at the basic level of expressing opinions, practising religion, owning property and so on… and what could this day possibly signify more than reminding us that its been 73 years since we gained independence from the British, an experience only a handful of Indians can relate to while for others its a mere significant piece of Indian history.
It may a bit embarrassing for some of us to accept this but, this is a fact and the blame does not go to you entirely considering the perception of Independence day has changed entirely over the years. The anniversary is a harbinger of attractive discounts and sales at various shopping stores (both online an offline). Probably the best time for family reunions, get-togethers and outings with friends. Not to forget, students planning mass bunks at schools and colleges. After all, independence is the essence you see!
Decoding The Essence Of Independence
Fair enough, it’s been 73 long years since we got the freedom to rule ourselves; which indeed was remarkable at that point of time considering the repercussions, as a result of the oppression by the British on our forefathers. Indeed, the experience was devastating in every manner, culturally, economically and emotionally. However, it did give us lessons to ponder upon; from being more socially aware of the importance of education and so on. Certainly, these are lessons still to be realized in the truest sense.
I don’t intend to explain the events that took the form of independence at midnight of 15th August 1947; you will see that in almost every newspaper and news channel in every language of the country showing the same usual reruns in black and white in the form of an ‘Independence Day Special’ like every other year. Nor am I going to ask the most cliched question, “What does independence mean to you?” (chuckles)
The word independence, in the Cambridge dictionary, is defined as:
- Freedom from being governed or ruled by another country
- The ability to live your life without being helped or influenced by other people
We certainly have achieved the first definition of independence, however, the second one is something that each of us may ponder upon since it’s a personal question to which each one of us has a different answer.
That is what exactly Independence day is all about. As youngsters, we may not fully grasp or feel the emotional and economic turmoil that our countrymen went through, at that time. However, it essentially serves as a yearly reminder to reflect upon the differences that persist in our society and a mirror of our country’s advancements. This is the one day we should give a thought to where our country stands inside out; between the year before and the year now. India is a dynamic country with a vibrant culture that strives to maintain its beauty in unity through thick and thin. The beauty of our motherland lies in its versatility, wide variety of cultures and harmony which as we young Indians need to be aware of and do everything to keep it intact. Also, help the underprivileged to raise from the darkness of poverty and ignorance.
Recent developments in our country have been both, threatening, as well as beneficial, to certain sections of society, and this is exactly what we need to keep a watch over. As responsible and aware citizens we need to make sure that independence for one does not mean a threat for the other and vice-versa. We may have been an economically poor country 73 years back, however, we have to make sure that we are intolerant to draconian rules just like our forefathers.
India needs to be a space for all persons to breathe as it was earlier, irrespective of caste, gender and age. The day we don’t safeguard the independence of even one person of our country, that very day, our country’s edifice of peace will break down; blurring the very meaning of secularism and democracy.
Independence does not mean doing things at the cost of peace of other people. It rather means to provide an environment for every person to think liberally and constructively and uplift those less privileged than us. Collective good, peace and mutual respect are ways of achieving the real meaning of independence our leaders and countrymen dreamt of and continue to dream of. We need to carry the baton of peace, hope, respect and prosperity and pass it on to all those who dream of independence.
This Independence Day, take a moment to ponder if India is the country you always wanted it to be. The country whose very adornments of respect, peace, prosperity and harmony still shine or flicker? And if there any other ornament that our motherland needs to be adorned with to make it the best place in the entire world to live on! And how you can do your bit to achieve the same? Do things that will make your posterity be proud to be Indian!
Jai Hind!
Wishing all readers a very happy Independence day!