By Harihar Tripathy
The sky is a brilliant blue today, and the moon’s rays send shivers through the body. A unique fragrance fills the air, creating moments that some believe could be eternal for the country. Yet, perhaps this freedom isn’t felt as deeply as it should be. Independence Day celebrations have become official events for many, rather than a profound personal experience. The significance of this day seems to have faded into a mere holiday.
Why is it that the remarkable feeling of freedom, the essence of an immortal life, eludes the people of this nation? Why doesn’t the common Indian feel a tremor in their body at the thought of Independence Day? On this 77th celebration of Independence Day, introspection is needed.
Independence Day, observed on August 15th each year, marks the end of British rule. However, the freedom gained was mostly geographical; mentally, Indians have always been independent. This raises the question: What is true freedom? India’s tradition of welcoming everyone as an Indian dates back to the arrival of the Aryans. Thus, attempting to hijack Indian freedom is an impossible feat.
If we consider freedom as an escape from the brutality of British rule, we realize such freedom never truly existed, even before British colonialism. Previous rulers, kings, and landlords had oppressed the natives, ruling according to their own wishes. Post-British rule, this situation has persisted. Today, leaders and ministers have replaced kings and British rulers, while the common person remains largely unaffected.
As India celebrates 77 years of independence, the reality remains: Democracy feels distant for many. Bureaucrats hold the reins, and the government seems like the new ruler. People feel enslaved, relying on government handouts for sustenance. This cycle continues, despite changing ruling parties. Society, culture, and the government have intertwined, blurring the lines of authority. Ordinary citizens lack power and are only remembered during elections.
The rulers change, but people’s fate remains stagnant. While cleanliness campaigns sweep the country, who will cleanse minds and characters? Corruption taints every transaction, and even senior citizens must prove their existence annually. In a country where taxes are paid for basic amenities like water and air, can it truly be called free? The soul of the culture is fading.
Despite the country’s undeniable progress towards independence, the truth of this achievement seems to have eluded the majority of our population. It is challenging to confidently assert that the lingering fear from the era of British rule has completely dissipated. Since the departure of the British, one must question whether the new administrators of India view the villagers as equal citizens. In today’s independent India, regardless of a person’s wisdom or scholarly accomplishments, the common man finds it difficult to directly approach their district Collector to voice concerns. And if such an interaction occurs, can the Collector be counted on to treat them as a true citizen, offering the respect they deserve? Moreover, why does a free citizen hesitate to enter a Police Station or a Courtroom? Is it ever noticed that a policeman extends a courtesy to a citizen when they visit a police station? These complexities raise doubts about the extent of our freedom of speech and expression.
Our education system falls short in teaching the essence of freedom. Our 77 years of independence highlight the need for reflection and a path forward. It’s time to rewrite this narrative, making it accessible to all, ensuring that the common person can truly understand and embrace the essence of freedom.
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Nice article