Freedom

Freedom is our birth right. But we know very well that our rights are not bestowed upon us so easily. India’s freedom struggle itself was an example to be remembered. Freedom of millions of Indians was in shackles held tightly by the British for their selfish gains and the long, poignant struggle that ensued to regain our freedom was unforgettable, nightmarish. That is one of the reasons we celebrate year after year our Independence Day on 15th August. A reminder of the sacrifices and struggle of our forefathers to be independent of British rule.

2022 was 75th year of India’s independence and every one was encouraged to bring in the National flag into our homes under the slogan , “Ghar,Ghar Tiranga “, with relaxation of rules to deal with national flag. Everyone was thrilled to bring in and hoist flags outside their homes proudly, be it a grand bunglow or a humble hut .

“In a free democracy like India are all the citizens enjoy basic freedom? It is a debatable topic.” Haritha was thinking as she was carrying out mechanically her daily chores. “What was her life? Where is her freedom? Is she a slave under the guise of a wife ? Is this life worth living? “These are the questions that her mind is often occupied with. Like everyone else, we also brought home a flag. How about freedom? Outwardly she seemed to have a comfortable life. But inside the four walls of her home it was very different. Her husband was suspicious of her conduct and would keep on abusing her with foul language and harsh words, insulting her in the presence of the maid and unmindful of the fact that his words could be heard by the neighbors. Deep down he knew that her character was impeccable, but it was so easy to hurt her deeply by maligning her character and it gave him a sadistic pleasure. Both were into their 70s and this was the story almost the same from the start of their married life. Sometimes in desperation she would consider leaving her husband but she was dealing with chronic ailments and needed the medical coverage afforded by the husband’s government job.

She was a graduate and working, at the time of marriage. Owing to his transferable job and later to raise 2 daughters they had, she gave up her career and totally dedicated herself to her family. Like it happens most of the time, her services rendered in bringing up the children and home making were never taken into account. Even now she gives priority for her husband’s needs over hers. She had to be at the mercy of her husband for everything. Her daughters grew up to be very responsible and wonderful women and were married away to suitable young men who were very good and knew the value of the wives. Not that Haritha’s husband was a bad person. He did not have any wises and otherwise took care of his family and fulfilled all his responsibilities. May be hurting her and abusing her by harsh language was a way of controlling her. May be there was a psychological reason behind his behaviour. May be he was abused in his child hood.

Ultimately Haritha’s question remains. Is she truly a free individual? Is freedom also linked with independence? She always thought that if she could retain her employment ,things would have been different.

Am I a free human being? In spite of being independent and owner of a business empire do I really enjoy freedom. These were thoughts of Ranganath, a well-known business person in Hyderabad. His wife Sudha was very beautiful and was from an affluent family. Ranganath fell in love with her at the first sight in a wedding and eventually married her. He pampered her a lot and ultimately she was controlling his life to a large extent. She was insecure and was suspicious that he could be having affair/s. Because of this she would be critical of his every action and every move. Because of this , Ranganath spent most of his time at working and that would further complicate the matters.

Now unlike Haritha, Ranganath was financially independent yet not enjoying Freedom in life. For that matter, some parents in their love for the children and due to misconception that they know what is the best for their children are the worse threat to the freedom of children. They want to have say in the child’s life in every aspect including choice of career and life’s partner!

 In reality we humans are dependent on each other for many reasons. We are emotionally dependent on our parents, siblings, spouses, children , friends for various extents for many reasons. Socially we have well knit web of relationships where we willingly give up our freedom to various extents. Similarly dependency on each other is inevitable. As long as we realize this and know where this boundary lies the relationships can remain healthy. There can never be absolute freedom or independence. As long as freedom is compromised to any extent, out of choice, life can be beautiful.