What Meaning Does The Word 'Freedom' Hold To You?

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

जिस स्वतंत्रता में गलती कर पाने का अधिकार शामिल न हो उस स्वतंत्रता का कोई मूल्य नहीं है ।- Mahatma Gandhi 

Independence Day is a reminder of the sacrifices of our valiant freedom fighters who stood up against the colonisers and even suffered harsh consequences unflinchingly so that the later generations could breathe in free air. Slaving for 200 years and claiming back our country makes us marvel at the great leaders. On August 15, 1947, the first Prime Minister of Independent India Jawaharlal Nehru unveiled India’s tricolour flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. This practise continues till date as along with the flag hoisting, the Prime Minister delivers a speech from the historic monument - The Red Fort (Delhi).

We all celebrate Independence Day with extreme joy. Back to my school days, I remembered how as children we are filled with glee after the flag hoisting ceremony in the school assembly. We all gathered with tricolour ribbons on our hands after drills and patriotic songs, sweets distribution were there for all. In India, patriotism infused since birth in every child. This day reminds us of all the sacrifices that were made by our freedom fighters in order to set India free from British rule. 15th August is a national holiday and the day is then celebrated with flag hoisting, parades and cultural fests. The prime minister then delivers a televised address to the country, recounting the major accomplishments of India during the previous year and outlining future challenges and goals. Kite flying has also become an Independence Day tradition, with kites of various sizes, shapes, and colours filling the sky.

Being an Indian it's a proud movement for all of us. India is progressing day by day in every sector but there are still so many things we as people of India needs to understand so that we can bring a concept that best defines a free India for all of us. And we can improve this more by freeing ourselves from our inner conflicts. Most of us are not free spirits, as we tend to carry the weight of our limited identities and ego, on our shoulders. What we receive daily is predominantly information filled with things that upset us, trouble us or put us into a state of fear and worry. How we can achieve independence from worry and find peace? We can achieve independence from worry through meditation. We have a place of calm inside us all the time. It is free from the problems and conflicts of the outer world. It is like a sea of tranquillity that lies in the stillness within. We can balance our lives while being aware of what is happening in the world outside, and do our best to help make it a better place.

We read and see much news on kidnapping crimes, assault, abuse, rape, killings etc. The origination of these types of mindsets came from the upbringing of a child since birth. If a child, exposed to an environment where he/she is observing crimes, assault, thefts he will learn that and try to commit those as he grew up. This is a really tough time and many children of India are now vulnerable to this. Lack of good education, proper upbringing, poverty is some of the reasons that are responsible for these type of activities. We need to create an India where we are free from ill mindsets that are attaining freedom of thoughts, freedom of expression, giving good education to children for better upbringing for making India free of illiteracy, equal development for all by achieving poverty-free India, freedom from dependency(Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Attaining freedom means attaining overall freedom in a holistic way where every individual of our country are treated equally despite caste, colour and creed. This will lead you to a newer version of free and united India.