Hello, young friends!

Independence Day: Are we really free? 

Every year, in India, we observe Independence Day on August 15 to commemorate our victory from British rule. The day is marked by celebrations all over the country. People hoist flags and pay respect to the freedom fighters and martyrs who dedicated/sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom. The prime minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a speech that is broadcast nationwide. Overall, there's a festive atmosphere as everyone celebrates the fact that they're free from foreign rule. 

But have you ever wondered if we're really free? Does it bother you that so many unpleasant things are going on around us? I want you to ponder upon some disturbing facts. I don't want to be a spoilsport and ruin your Independence Day celebrations. Please celebrate to your heart's content. But after all the festivity, when you get some time, think about the things I'm going to share with you now. It's important to think. 

To begin with, there are ethnic clashes going on for months in our neighbouring state, Manipur. Women are the worst sufferers there. Is this how a free country operates? I think it's time for us to understand the true meaning of freedom. Freedom doesn't just mean being free from foreign rule. It means so much more. It means women's safety in times of conflict and also in times of peace, which our country clearly doesn't guarantee.

Then there are economic problems like unemployment. According to the recent Bloomberg report for July, the overall unemployment rate in India is 7.95 percent as of July 2023. It is definitely disturbing as by the time you complete your education and start looking for jobs, the situation will be much worse. Is this how a free country tackles job crisis? 

Child labour is another serious issue in our country. According to a study by Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL), there has been a significant increase in the proportion of working children from 28.2% to 79.6%, mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of schools. If the children are not free to study, how can the country be termed free? 

If you follow the news, you must have heard of communal clashes going on in Gurugram, which is not very far from the capital of the country, New Delhi. If people are killing each other near this free country's capital just because they follow different faiths, are we really free? Is this how the civilised citizens of a free country behave? 

Another issue worth contemplating is price rise or inflation. If common people cannot afford to buy essential commodities like tomatoes due to exorbitant rates, isn't it a worrying phenomenon? Is this what freedom entails? 

Some time ago, the sportspersons (who have won medals in Olympic Games and other games) of our country were not treated well by the authorities when they spoke against exploitation by sports coaches. Is this how the medal winners are treated in a free country? 

There are reports of violence/crimes against children coming in every day. Even children of your age are being exploited and the perpetrators often get away because children are coerced to remain silent. As a result, the court releases the criminals. Sadly, most cases go unreported altogether. Is this how children of a free country suffer? 

Moreover, we're bound by shackles of superstition. Due to superstitious beliefs, widows are ostracised. Black cats are killed as they're believed to bring bad luck. Women have to bear the brunt of superstitions related to menstruation. They're perceived as 'dirty' during those days. People fail to realise that menstruation is a natural biological process. Are these signs of a free country? 

Apart from these, in our country, there's discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, religion, etc. In rural areas, people from lower castes are not allowed to enter temples or mix up with people from higher castes. They cannot sit or eat at places frequented by higher caste people. Even their wells (for water) are separate. Similarly, people from minority communities are often lynched for no rhyme or reason. Do you think a free country functions like this? 

Then there's gender discrimination. It's sad that even today male children are treated better in most households and people wish to have a son rather than a daughter. Due to this, girls face a lot of problems in obtaining proper education or pursuing their preferred career as they are not supported by their families. Is this the fate of women in a free country? 

Now that you have read all of this, do think about it and ask questions when you see injustice around you. Start asking questions because if you do not ask, the situation will get worse. You, my dear children, are the future of this independent nation and its future citizens. So, start thinking and asking questions if you want to bring about changes. All the best! 

Happy Independence Day to all of you!