Grateful for the Freedom we Enjoy: Independence Day Reflection

Rhucha Kulkarni
Aug 18
4 min read

As the saffron, white, and green fluttered in the breeze, and the air filled with the triumphant strains of "Jana Gana Mana," we were again reminded of the immense sacrifice that brought us to this day. August 15th is more than a date on the calendar; it is a sacred reminder of the azaadi (#freedom) that our forefathers fought and died for. But beyond the grand gestures and patriotic parades, this day offers us a profound opportunity to reflect on the smaller, more personal freedoms that we, as Indians, enjoy every single day.

It's easy to take these liberties for granted, to see them as the default setting of our lives. But a moment of #reflection reveals that the fabric of our nation is woven with countless threads of liberty, each one a tribute to the long and arduous journey we undertook to become a sovereign nation.

Let’s take a moment to be #grateful for the ordinary freedoms that define our Indian existence:

The Freedom to Be Yourself

We are a nation of staggering diversity - different languages, faiths, cultures, celebrating countless unique festivals. This diversity is a celebration of individual freedom. This freedom to hold onto our unique identities while being part of a larger, unified whole is a precious gift. Independence is not just about the sovereignty of a nation—it is also about the sovereignty of the individual.

These freedoms, which may seem ordinary in daily life, are extraordinary privileges when seen against the backdrop of history, when such freedom did not come easy for our previous generations during the Raj.

The Freedom to Choose Our Path

The opportunity to shape our own destiny is a profound freedom. We have the freedom to start a small business, to pursue a career in technology, to become an artist, or to serve our nation. A country where talent and hard work can determine one's success - this is a powerful privilege to uphold.

The Freedom to Speak Up, to Challenge

The Indian Constitution guarantees us the freedom of speech and expression - the very engine of our democracy. It is the freedom that allows a citizen to question a government policy, a journalist to report without fear, and a student to debate an idea in a classroom. This freedom is the bedrock of our vibrant public discourse, a testament to a society that values dialogue over dogma. It is a daily reminder that we are not just subjects, but active participants in the great Indian story.

The Freedom to Roam without Restrictions

Before 1947, travel within our own country was often restricted, and our rich cultural heritage was seen through a colonial lens. Today, we have the freedom to board a train or flight and witness the beauty of our nation.

I personally cherish every bit of this freedom as a travel-lover..From sighting our national animal in our tiger reserves, to trekking the majestic Himalayas, to witnessing a puja in an ancient South Indian temple, to gorging on a crackling panipuri on Mumbaiya streets - the freedom to explore contributes to my continuously learning and growth as an Indian, and largely, as a human being.

Thus, the freedom of movement is an opportunity to discover the incredible beauty and diversity of our own homeland, connecting us to a shared history and a common future.

A Call to Cherish and be Grateful

Every 15th August, we pause as a nation to honor the gift of independence—a gift earned through immense sacrifice, resilience, and collective courage. While Independence Day reminds us of our country’s liberation from colonial rule, it also nudges us to reflect on the personal freedoms this independence affords each of us today.

Sp today, let's don a new lens - look beyond the ceremonial flag-hoisting and express gratitude for the tapestry of freedoms that enrich our daily lives. The freedoms we enjoy today were built on the sacrifices of millions. Our duty is to not take them for granted but to cherish them, protect them, and ensure that they are extended to every Indian, in every corner of our vast and beautiful country.

For true freedom is not just about what we have been given; it is about what we do with it.

With freedom, comes responsibility

Personal freedom is most powerful when it uplifts not only the self but also those around us..Our independence is not just a historical milestone; it is a living promise—one that must be nurtured through conscious action.

This Independence Day, let us not only celebrate the freedom we have but also commit to making it meaningful—by living with integrity and authenticity..

Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind 🇮🇳

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