“What’s your program on 15th August?”
This is a general question everyone asks, and then there comes a general answer too. Since 15th August this year falls on a Thursday, one can take leave for Friday, and leave for a vacation by Wednesday evening. Some also plan to see films, go on a short tour, and so on.
Some will plan to stay at home and enjoy watching TV including the Prime Minister’s address. Some active members are a part of many cultural programs for Independence Day and thus it would a busy day for them.
Now the question is, why do we observe Independence Day every year? Many will answer that we celebrate our freedom from the British and remember our heroes of independence. So how do you celebrate?
Remembering the freedom struggle and sacrifice-stories of our heroes, we do some sloganeering and express happiness. Is that all?
Well, let us think a bit differently. How would it be, if we can spare an hour or so doing some introspection? How about we ask ourselves some questions? What would be those questions?
- Do I deserve this independence? Do I behave in a manner as dreamed/wished/expected by the heroes of the freedom movement who struggled in their lifetime? Or do I just enjoy this freedom as it is available to me, as a charity? Point is, I strongly feel that for any right, one has to deserve it. If there’s freedom, it’s not because you are lucky. It’s because our forefathers gave their lives for a better society with equality, dignity, liberty, and integrity. Do my deeds lack in achieving those values? If yes, then how should I amend myself?
- Does my freedom violate other’s freedom? I have a right to freedom. But no freedom is absolute. The moment my freedom violates someone else’s freedom in any way, then freedom ceases there. Have I done something that has hurt others? If yes, how should I rectify it? Isn’t hurting other’s sentiments by imposing my freedom make me undeserving to be a citizen of a free country?
- Mahatma Gandhi had said that freedom from the British is not enough. India should be free from all kind of discrimination, poverty, and all type of social evils. Is India free from all such evils? If not, am I also responsible in some way or other? How would I be useful in attaining Gandhi’s dream of freedom?
I think, to introspect on the above three questions will take just an hour. During this, we could make a plan for next year, until the next Independence Day. We are used to New Year promises. What’s wrong in making some Independence Day promises? In this process, we are not proving anything to anyone else. In fact, we shall be proving to ourselves how worthy we are to be in an independent country. Do I deserve it? if not what should I do so that the next independence day I can assess whether I have improved my worthiness for the freedom we are enjoying, thanks to countless people’s dedication and sacrifice pre-1947.
The bottom line is, nothing comes free in this world. Everything, including freedom, has a cost. I am of the opinion that you may not have to pay for it but you have to do something to be worthy of enjoying this freedom.
Happy Independence Day.