78 Years of Freedom: Reflecting on India Independence Day 2024

Introduction

Today marks the 78th anniversary of our great nation, Bharat’s independence. On this auspicious day, it is impossible to forget the immortal words spoken by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the midnight of 14th August 1947: “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” These words not only signified the end of a long and arduous struggle against British colonial rule but also the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Bharat, celebrated now as India Independence Day 2024, where the promise of freedom and self-governance was finally realized.

But as we celebrate this milestone on India Independence Day 2024, it is important to pause and reflect: Do we truly understand the meaning of freedom? The freedom for which countless freedom fighters, from Mangal Pandey to Bhagat Singh, laid down their lives. Their vision was not merely to rid Bharat of colonizers but to establish a nation where every citizen could enjoy the fruits of liberty, equality, and justice.

The Essence of Freedom

• So, what is freedom? Is it as simple as have choices or is it something that brings the essence of being ourselves in any sphere of existence that we are part of?
• Freedom is thus the choice to do it or not to do it but it is much richer than this notion.
• This is the feel of liberty, and the sense of assurance in that the four choices belong to us, free from the experiences of subjugation or prejudice.
• It is the freedom to be able to walk the streets at midnight without any form of inhibition or worries.
• It is when, say after a triumph in the T20 Cricket World Cup, it is still possible to assemble thousands at Marine Drive to dance and cheer together let alone feel happy.
• This is freedom: to be called for a cup of chai and get there in no more than fifteen minutes, if there are no impediments.
• That is freedom: it is when a sportsman can go out there and perform in the Olympics, get a gold medal, and look into the camera with tears of pride and humility while his country’s national anthem is being played.

India Independence Day 2024: A Journey of 77 Years—Achievements and Progress

So, what have we achieved in the last 77 years? From a country that was impoverished and struggling to rebuild after centuries of colonial exploitation, we have transformed into a middle-income nation with aspirations of becoming a global powerhouse. Our journey has been one of perseverance, innovation, and resilience.

In terms of infrastructure, we have made tremendous strides. Our national highways are being built at an unprecedented pace, connecting remote regions and facilitating trade and commerce. The expansion of our railways and airlines has made travel more accessible and affordable for millions of people. India’s IT service sector is now recognized as one of the best in the world, driving innovation and providing solutions to global challenges. Our pharmaceutical industry, often referred to as the ‘Pharmacy of the World,’ played a crucial role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by manufacturing and distributing vaccines on a massive scale. Vaccinating over a billion people in just 1.5 years is a testament to our collective will and determination.

Furthermore, Bharat has emerged as the world’s second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones, a remarkable achievement that showcases our growing technological capabilities. Our pride, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), has completed numerous successful missions, including the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, putting India on the map as a leading space-faring nation.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Areas for Improvement

However, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead if we are to achieve our goal of becoming a developed country by 2047. Corruption remains a significant issue, particularly at the lower and middle levels of government. The practice of bribery has become so ingrained in some areas that it is often seen as a necessary evil to get things done. To address this, we need widespread reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

Our education system also requires urgent attention. The current syllabuses in schools and colleges often fail to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the rapidly changing global landscape. We need to introduce curricula that are relevant, practical, and aligned with the demands of the modern world. Education must not only impart academic knowledge but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Cleanliness is another major issue that needs to be addressed. Despite various initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, cleanliness remains a problem in many parts of the country. From litter-strewn streets to polluted rivers, the lack of proper waste management and sanitation facilities continues to affect the health and well-being of our citizens. To create a truly clean and green Bharat, we need to adopt innovative solutions and involve citizens in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in their communities.

In the manufacturing sector, we are still lagging behind countries like China and Vietnam. While we have made progress in certain areas, much more needs to be done to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities. This includes investing in modern technology, improving the ease of doing business, and ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to compete in the global market. By focusing on these areas, we can reduce our dependence on imports and create jobs for millions of people.

The Role of Citizens: Building a Better Bharat

As citizens of this great nation, we have a crucial role to play in shaping its future. In a country of 1.4 billion people, the government’s efforts alone are not enough to achieve our goals. We need to take responsibility for our actions and contribute to the nation’s progress in whatever ways we can.

One of the simplest yet most impactful things we can do is to follow the rules. Whether it is adhering to traffic regulations, respecting public property, or disposing of waste properly, these small actions can have a big impact on the quality of life in our communities. If we cannot do these simple things, we do not have the right to demand world-class facilities.

Moreover, we need to start believing in ourselves, our culture, and our work ethics. For too long, we have looked to the West for solutions and validation. It is time to decolonize our minds and stop following the West in every aspect of life. Being different does not make us wrong; it makes us unique. We have the potential to be the best in the world, but first, we need to start believing in our abilities and our way of life.

We must also remain united, no matter what challenges come our way. There are countries and entities that are envious of the progress we have made and will try to destabilize our great nation. We must not fall for their tactics. Instead, we should focus on building a strong, prosperous, and harmonious Bharat where every citizen can thrive.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us not only rejoice in the freedoms we enjoy but also commit ourselves to the responsibilities that come with it. Our journey over the past 77 years has been remarkable, but there is still much work to be done. By working together and staying true to the values that our freedom fighters fought for, we can ensure that Bharat continues to prosper and shine on the global stage.

Happy Independence Day! May our Bharat continue to prosper and shine. Jai Hind!

FAQS

Q1: What is the significance of India Independence Day 2024?
Ans: India Independence Day 2024 marks the 78th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule. It is a day to celebrate the nation’s progress and reflect on the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who fought for India’s freedom.

Q2: Why is Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech on August 14, 1947, so important?
Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech, delivered at the stroke of midnight on August 14, 1947, symbolized India’s transition from a colonized nation to an independent one. His words, “India will awake to life and freedom,” have become immortalized as a declaration of India’s newfound sovereignty.

Q3: What does freedom mean in the context of India independence day?
Ans: Freedom, in the context of India independence day, goes beyond the ability to make choices. It encompasses the sense of security, empowerment, and the right to live without fear or oppression, as envisioned by India’s freedom fighters.

Q4: What are some of the achievements India has made since gaining independence?
Ans: Since gaining independence, India has transformed into a middle-income country with significant advancements in infrastructure, technology, and various industries. Achievements include being the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, successful space missions by ISRO, and a robust IT services sector.