For some, Independence Day is just a holiday. They freak out along with their families and friends to enjoy quality time. For others, it is a day of unbridled liberty. There are still others who believe that independence still eludes the country and that it is still in servitude, writes Sana Riyaz
The Independence Day is at the doorstep; Sixty-six years ago, on August 15 we ousted the British rulers and established self-rule. But, in present-day India, unfortunately, the significance of this important day is largely lost on its people. The stiff resistance put up by our freedom fighters against the whimsical Bristish rule and the sacrifices made them remain confined to some pages of our history books.
Not only the present generation, but even older people take this day as just another holiday. Viva city talked to some school and college students and some other citizens about what the Independence Day meant to them.
For some, it is just a holiday. They freak out along with their families and friends to enjoy quality time. For others, it is a day of unbridled liberty. There are still others who believe that independence still eludes the country and that it is still in servitude..
Shruti, a school student, said "India will be independent when all the girls in the country feel safe and can go anywhere without fear, when the old people of the country receive the same respect that they gave to their parents. Until then, it is just a ritualistic celebration of the Independence Day every year."
Some people, however, take it seriously and say I-Day is all about spreading awareness about the martyrs and the rich history of the country.
Sandeep Singh, a small scale businessman has different views about the I-Day. He says "I celebrate this day with my son and two little daughters. According to me, Independence Day is not just a holiday, but a day to remember the sacrifices made by the people of this country. Now the country can take its own decisions. And, barring a few minor aberrations, my country is a safe place to breathe freely." Adding further, he said "we should respect and protect its freedom."
On the other hand, Ravi Kumar, who is a banker, said "I-Day is just another holiday for me. For me, freedom of the country has not been achieved as yet. The poor is becoming poorer and the rich richer. Until we rid the country of this situation, the country of my dreams is still too far."
For the school and college students, the import of Independence Day is that it is just a holiday. They wake-up late, enjoy the sunny day and also enjoy freedom from studies for a day. A school student, Ojaswi Verma said "yes, it is a holiday. But I watch the programmes that are telecast on the television on this day. I do that every year and it is nice to see cultural and other programmes." But on the other hand, she said "other than this it is a casual leave for me."
Pooja, a college student, said "well, according to me, this day is all about having fun and freaking out with family or friends. I believe that everyone has the right to celebrate this day as they want and I celebrate this day with my family and friends." Adding further, she said "it is not that I do not know the significance of this day. I do pray for the martyrs and for a glorious future of the country."
She further adds, "In school, we used to go for flag-hoisting and march-past, but in the college we have some celebrations a day ahead. August 15 is a holiday. On this day, sweets are distributed in schools after flag-hoisting and cultural programme. I always look forward to it."
Prachi, a home-maker, remembered her history lessons and says "we got independence at the cost of thousands of lives. We should respect the freedom and put our country before anything else." She adds "it is really sad to discover that most people do not know the significance of this day."
Vivek, a final year BBA student, said "I just want to get a good job after completing my education. So, I think the government should focus on generating employment. But it is a give-and-take relationship and I know I should also do something for the country before asking something from it. Only when all of us contribute to the nation's development, true independence will dawn."
Independence Day is the day when India threw off the British yoke and won its independence from British rule. This day reminds us of the saga of thousands of men, women and even children who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the nation. But gone are the days when each Indian valued this great day. Time has eroded those sentiments and now we observe this day just like any other day or a holiday. Children are forced to go to schools to attend the flag hoisting ceremony by making their attendance compulsory. Children seem to have no feeling for this day and the same can be said for the adults.
Saima Atif, a home-maker and a mother of two kids, while expressing her views, says "my kids go to school on August 15 every year. I do not let them miss these days as they should imbibe the habit of celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day with great enthusiasm. Children should love to celebrate these festivals not only because they get a holiday but they should realise the importance of freedom given to us by our great freedom fighters."
Sanjay, a father of three children, says "I celebrate Independence Day with the people. Every year, the flag is hoisted by a senior citizen in our society. It is very important to celebrate this day, respect and honour our nation. I also take my kids along with me. It is a very nice feeling. Every Indian should celebrate these two days with pomp and joy."
The day is a national holiday in India. All over the country, flag-hoisting ceremonies are held by the local administrations. But, this day should not only mean watch cultural programmes and listening to the Prime Minister's speech or just a casual holiday. It is time to spread awareness about this day so that the coming generation should value it.