Friends! Today, on August 15, 2024, India has completed 78 years of independence. Like every year, this year too, flag hoisting was done in schools, and the markets were decorated with enthusiasm. Seeing posters, flags, rallies, and markets adorned with tricolor flags at different places, it fills the heart with enthusiasm. But this enthusiasm is limited to just one day. When we look at the current situation of India, a question arises whether there is any relevance left in celebrating Independence Day today.
When I look at the condition of India today, it saddens me that even after 78 years of independence, we still lack proper means for children’s education. On one hand, there is a lack of basic facilities in schools in rural and underprivileged areas, shortage of teachers, and hindrance to the overall development of children due to the lack of quality education. On the other hand, in urban areas, there is economic exploitation of parents in the name of providing quality education by private schools. Millions of children are deprived of proper nutrition, facing malnutrition and lack of healthcare facilities. Even after 78 years of independence, we have not been able to eliminate child labor from our society. Due to the insecure future of children, the pressure to excel has increased so much that mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression are increasing among children. The pressure of exams, excessive expectations from parents and society has affected the mental health of children. Can we feel proud of such India?
The issues of youth are even more crucial and complex. These issues have a deep impact on their personal development, social stability, and the future of the country. Educated youth are struggling with unemployment or are forced to sell their skills for a meager wage. Competition, social pressure, and uncertainty about the future are leading to the emergence of these problems. Due to economic problems, some youths lose their mental balance. Some are struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide, while others are turning to substance abuse due to hopelessness. Due to social and family pressures and expectations, today’s youth are losing their mental balance. Where on one hand they have to face fierce competition to prove themselves, on the other hand, they are held back by the reservation quotas and limitations on capabilities imposed constitutionally. Why should we be proud of such India?
On one hand, we raise slogans of “BETI BACHAO,BETI PADHAO( Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter)” and on the other hand, incidents of harassment and rape of girls are common occurrences. The standard of journalism has deteriorated to such an extent that when an incident like rape happens with a woman, it is covered up based on her caste or religion. In the eyes of these corrupt journalists, the injustice done with the common people has no meaning. Only selected incidents are highlighted in the race for TRP. In such a scenario, we worry about bringing our unborn daughters into this world. Even after nearly 80 years of independence, the country has not provided social and economic security to half of its population, i.e., women. Adequate healthcare facilities, especially during childbirth and maternity, are still not available. Even in modern developed India, when there is a continued division of responsibilities and capabilities based on gender, how can we be proud of this freedom?
On one hand, our governments boast about the increasing average lifespan of the country, while no schemes are made for the elderly. Due to health problems in old age, they are only exploited by doctors, constantly draining their resources. Special health facilities are not provided to the elderly by the government. In the present time, the government just gives a paltry sum of two to three thousand rupees to the elderly of the poor class in the name of financial aid, while on the other hand pensions of workers dedicating their whole lives to serving society and the country are being stopped. In a country where the elderly depend on the mercy of others for their small needs, where there are different laws for different citizens, for such a discriminatory country, what should we be proud of for its independence?
Today, the societal situation continues to become pitiable. Religious and sectarian polarization has become a serious problem in Indian politics. Political parties often use religious and caste-based sentiments for vote bank politics, which leads to increasing division and tension in society. Corruption, deceit, and dishonesty have taken deep roots in Indian politics. In the name of the country’s development, discrimination, vote bank politics, selective secularism, and misuse of wealth and power have become synonymous with Indian politics. Even after 78 years of independence, when journalism is involved in flattering politicians, injustice, oppression, and the development of tyranny are occurring under the guise of delay and injustice in democracy and the people’s trust in the system and law is slowly eroding. What should we celebrate about independence when these issues remain unresolved?
My heart tell me! If after so many years of independence, we have only developed in terms of statistics, then should we be proud of it?
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