It is the 15th of August and the anniversary of Indian independence.
There is great official pomp and ceremony across the land. Patriotic songs are heard everywhere, to imbibe a sense of patriotism in the people. Sadly most people do not bother and patriotism seems to be waning everywhere except in the field of cricket. But the youth they do listen, because they are trusting and eager to learn and they can be forced to listen in the educational institutions.
Independence means freedom, but from what and whom? India won her independence not only from the British, but also the Portuguese and 562 monarchs with titles of Rajas, Maharahajas, Nawabs, Nizams, Khans and Baigs.
The foreigners and the kings and their staff may have departed and replaced by a new breed of rulers. The country is now run by numerous criminal politician cum businessmen and an often corrupt and dysfunctional government administration.
Sadly we Indians have always been outsourcing our governance to foreigners for over a 1000 years. As long as that happens, India cannot be free. Foreigners need not only be people of foreign birth but also people who do not have their heart or their minds and commitment to the Indian people or nation whom they have sworn under oath to serve.
Every citizen wants, a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Forget about evil political leaders and useless governments for a while. Let us focus nearer to our own selves and our homes.
Teachers at schools may teach various subjects but it is the parents in homes who instill values.
Every man is a king and every woman a queen of your own home, where you make and implement your won rules and policies. Your writ runs in your own home.
Do you show integrity and responsibility in your own home? What example do you set for your family and your colleagues?
Voltaire the French Philosopher and writer said, "It is not only important to be free, but to also know what to do with one's freedom".
We are a young and fragile democracy. We must realise that with freedom comes not only rights but also responsibilities. Almost everyone demand their rights but apparently remain oblivious about their responsibilities. Such a society is like a one winged bird, may even look beautiful and chirp happily, but it cannot fly.
Freedom is not only about being physically free. An individual can never be free if he or she is shackled by an enslaved mind. And an enslaved mind is the product of a weak spirit.
Our children are our future, however they will become what we help mould them into.
This independence day let us vow afresh to teach our children the difference between right and wrong, instill the wisdom to make right choices and the courage to do the right thing.
If each one of us does this, then we can hope to be truly free.
