It’s been 67 years since India gained freedom from the British. Over the years, vast developments have been taken place across all spheres: educational, technological, economic, social, political, cultural etc. However, as we stepped into the 68th year of Indian Independence, let us take a look at what freedom means to the new Indians.
To find out the significance of I-Day, News Karnataka conducted a vox-populi on this Independence Day. People opined similar termnology of being “liberated from foreign control”, however for some public drivers, its a day to earn little more; where one feels to enjoy it as a leisure holiday,
“I have seen the changing times right from the years before the Independence, to the freedom struggle to the current India that we live it. All I can say is not much has changed at a micro level, although the society is now much more receptive than earlier. However, at the macro level, India being a sovereign country is a matter of pride, mainly for people like us, who have seen India shackled to chains,” reflects Venkatesh Moorthy, an Octogenarian, sitting at a park witnessing sights of couples prancing around, families enjoying a holiday and kids running about.
Vaishnavi Pavithran, president, CREST states: “Freedom to me would mean to be able to speak my heart out without being judged, the freedom to dress and go wherever I want without any fear and most of all the freedom to see the beauty in everything around us. Maybe this perfect world is really far away or perhaps it’s just around the corner. We just need to slightly change our attitudes and adorn a smile instead of spreading a scowl. And then, just maybe this beautiful heaven of my mind will be within grasp.”
Besides, an Independence Day makes a least difference into the life of an a few BMTC bus conductors as well as autorickshaw drivers, citing the significance of I-Day, Muniraju, an Auto Rickshaw driver says, “Every day is the same for us, be it an Independence Day or our birthday! Nothing makes a difference to us, except the days where we earn a little more than usual. It gives us freedom to save some money (if that’s even possible in this current scenario of high prices). Feeding my wife and kids itself is a kind of bond we’re obliged to.”
“Freedom is getting a holiday from school, that too when we get a flag and sweets! Standing in the hot sun listening to the speech by the chief guest is a bit difficult, and would be better if we had freedom from that also. This time it’s even more fun because we get a long weekend holiday,” said a few school students seen strolling on the road.
“Freedom is being able to watch movies and go to the mall on what would otherwise be a tiresome working day. We should have more such holidays,” says Reema Jovially, who was on a visit to the mall along with her friends.
“For me, freedom is the choice to follow your dreams. Although India is a free country, there are many dreams that are suppressed in the name of culture, religion etc. When every individual has the right to follow his or her dreams, I think only then we will really be a free nation,” says Tanya Pereira, a QC professional at Godot Media.
“Freedom is when our girls feel safe walking on the streets of their city late at night, without the fear of being eve-teased, harassed or molested. It is when people realize their basic duties and not just concentrate on their rights; When some civic sense creeps into everyone’s psyche, that is when we can call ourselves free,” opines Vipul KV, a self-employed businessman.
So what would your answer to this question be, dear readers? Do let us know in the comments section below.
