Overlooked Endeavour
August 2017
I laid my books down on the table
while I searched for a book in the shelf underneath to untidily stuff into my
obese bag. My three friends put their heads through the window, calling me to
accompany them on the way to the buses. Some of my classmates ran around the
room where no teacher was present and shouted independence wishes directed to
no one in particular.
It was a day before the country’s
freedom turned 70, starting its 71st year. There was jubilance in
the air as we walked down the pathway and everyone’s chatter mixed to form the
distinctive sound of a crowd. Delight filled everyone for it was a holiday the
next day and everyone was excited for Independence Day. Till realisation hit me
like a bull, I too was so.
Sure, Independence Day is
supposed to be a day brimming with joy. But for most of us, it isn’t actually
for the freedom. When Independence Day was meant to be spent as the day we
gained freedom, almost everyone spends the day by slouching with laziness on
the couch like any other holiday instead of standing upright and singing along
with the national anthem. For most of us, Independence Day is just another
holiday and we are grateful for the holiday, not the occasion. As patriotic as
we claim to be, freedom fighters are just some grainy black and white pictures
from history textbooks. We hardly acknowledge the hardships that they faced.
Independence to me is endless
opportunities to be used, options waiting for me to explore them and dreams to
be followed. Our ancestors wanted us to do just the same for which blood of
many noble men was shed. They shared dreams to see India free from the clutches
of the British and each freedom fighter built the foundation for this. So stand
up, sing along with the parade which you watch on the television with pride.
I believe that independence to me
is about making my own choices and decisions. But absolute freedom would be the
freedom to choose what I wish to do, not have other opinions thrust on me.
Though India was born long ago,
it truly made its mark after 1947. Though I can never face and feel the same
situations they did, I am grateful for the legacy that they have handed down to
us.
I'd like to wish all of the readers a belated independence day!
Comment down your thoughts on Independence Day and how you celebrate it!
Comments
thoughtful one