India Celebrates its 71st Independence Day: What People Want Freedom From?

• The Independence Day is observed annually in India on 15^th August with pomp and vigor
• The country pays the tribute to those martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the country, for freedom of the Indians from the 'British Raj'
• The nation indulges in celebrating the occasion with multiple events and activities on this national holiday

August 15, 217: Independence Day holds immense significance for any nation. India commemorates the liberation of the country from the British Government on 15^th August. The Independence Day is observed annually in India on 15

The Independence Day is observed annually in India on 15^th August with pomp and vigor. It becomes an event involving national security, national programs evoking patriotic sentiment, and multiple events in various states and institutes celebrating the spirit of freedom. The country pays the tribute to those martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the country, for freedom of the Indians from the 'British Raj', and became immortal in history due to their path-breaking contributions.

Apart from the flag raising ceremony, garlanding the portraits of the freedom fighters, playing the national anthem and other patriotic music, the Indians also indulge in various other activities to celebrate the occasion. Quiz shows, charity events, blood-donation camps, game shows, poetry reading, functions, and contests are also held in order to commemorate India's independence.

On the morning of 71^st Independence Day, the honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi raised the national flag at 7 am followed by addressing the nation and delivering a speech. The nation then indulges in celebrating the occasion with multiple events and activities on this national holiday.

The Independence Day raises the underlying irony of independence in the context of whether the nation is enjoying liberty as per the truest sense of the term. If we follow the regularities of the daily humdrums of the Indian life, it is evident that we, the Indians are free of shackles. Be it the society, the people, the government, or one's own ideologies, a person is hardly free of all fetters and "independent". The country has definitely been liberated from the control of the British, but the citizens are not free and liberal completely.

Here is what youth of the country feels about FREEDOM-

"I want to be free from the societal shackles of judgments. The ever-judgmental society makes freedom a parody in an independent country," Diyali Banerjee (21), a journalism student from Bangalore says, this is the true scenario and the truth behind the façade of "independence". This is not the outcry of one person, but she voices the thoughts of millions around the country that suffer from the void of freedom, one way or another.

Another post graduate student Debdutta Mondal (24) from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata says, "It is not about societal freedom, I want to work on myself and be the change that I want to see in the world. I want freedom from my negative thoughts and do something fruitful for the society."

A market researcher in a kolkata based organisation, Anindita Gupta (27) says, " I should be able to do what my heart desires, I want to live my dreams."

A BBA student, Kingshuk Kumar Das (21) from Amity University, Delhi says, " reservations in the education system have always been a big obstacle for students. If you want to give equal opportunities to children, then bring transparency in the system."

A dancer and theatre practitioner, Satarupa Chakroborty (26) says, "Moral policing is a problem for many youths in India, lynching too. If two people are willing to make a choice for themselves, people should respect that. Everyone should have the right to pick up what is good for themselves."

Ishita Gomes (27) who teaches in a kolkata-based school says, "I want freedom from small, narrow or conforming thoughts. It is a great privilege to be born free but a greater good awaits if we can free our hearts and minds from fears, insecurities, and judgment."

So, on this Independence Day, let us promise to ourselves and each other to protest against all that confine us and all the unjust that befall upon us. Let the Independence Day be celebrated with absolute respect to the truest meaning of the term 'Independence.'

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL!