The Independent People

The independence day is here and we are all celebrating it our way. The retail stores are expecting more shelf space with increased sales. The movies are going to attract good business. The malls are expecting increased foot fall. The schools are expecting splendid performances at events. Some offices are expecting at least a few to come and perform the formality of flag hosting. People who have a complete day off have plans for day out or late wake up. Some others have to work as they have to be on duty to serve those opt for day-on, on their day off. 

Independence day, for all generally aware educated people, is the day when our country got freedom. So we express joy in our freedom and remember our martyrs on this day. But, is this all we should do for the nation?

In a country where people are still fighting against prejudices, castism, gender bias and baseless superstitions, we all need to give a better salute to the national flag. Freedom does not mean merely having our own election commission and democratic government. Freedom, for me, is the permission to take off unnecessary fetters out of our legs. Freedom means the power to perform with complete potency. Freedom certainly does not mean chasing a fearless DJ while drunk and driving on road just because what she was wearing or what the clock was sticking at. 

Freedom means being able to convince our parents that opting for a profession that is rarely meant for the weaker gender. Freedom means lodging an immediate complaint with cops without worrying about their reaction of the society after reading the next morning news paper. 

To all those who are celebrating this 70th anniversary of freedom for our country, I urge to know and feel what the freedom actually means for them. People, I believe, must know that their freedom is restricted just from where the freedom of anyone else starts. Let us take a pledge not to hurt the freedom of anyone else at the same time not compromising with the situation when someone else tries to abdicate our personal freedom. If we do so, wishing happy independence day to each other would become even more meaningful then.