Independence

Independence: The dictionary meaning of this word would be “the fact or state of being independent”. And the word independent would mean “not influenced or controlled in any way by other people, events or things".

Yesterday 15^th Aug 2019, India and Indians all over the world celebrated our 73^rd Independence Day. Our tricolour flags were hoisted, patriotic hymns were recited, even tiranga sweets/pulaos were relished, march pasts and salutes done. For some it was a welcome break from routine, for some an extended weekend possibility promising a small holiday. And then life goes on as usual.

In 1947 it heralded our nation freeing itself from the British Empire. A momentous event in our timeline. One which held and continues to hold, a lot of promise for our future as a free nation and as free Indians.

But for the common Indian person in today’s age, one who did not directly witness our freedom struggle first hand, what should every 15^th August remind us of and in what way should each of us leverage this reminder? What is true INDEPENDENCE?

• Independence to do what one thinks is right or the steadfast willingness to abide by the laws of the land?
• Independence to cross a red light when there is no traffic or the patience to wait for the green light?
• Independence to throw trash around in public or the discipline to seek and find a trash can and use it?
• Independence to give and take bribes & transact under the radar or the determination to say NO to corruption and black money?
• Independence to just witness a crime or accident and be blind to it or the conviction to stop, assist and help?
• Independence to care for me-mine-myself or the willingness to broaden our inclusion beyond bloodlines?
• Independence to yield to compulsions or the awareness to lead our lives more consciously?

It may seem that genuine independence may be far more restrictive and demanding....... and far less liberating!  And therein lies the choice of doing the right thing and being truly independent of short term pains and discomfort for the larger good!

To accelerate our nation’s progress on its path towards a glorious future, let us be genuinely independent in every moment of our lives.  Jai Hind !!