Rev Fr C Joseph
Introduction
Seventy-eight years after Independence is that rare moment when one can pause, look back, and take stock. A juncture in history when one can think about what brought us here. What were those seemingly minor events that set in motion a series of outcomes, some expected and some widely unpredictable, that would change forever the trajectory of the country’s progress, its character and morals, its cultural preferences and social motes, its political laws. We therefore embarked on a challenging but also engaging exercise to choose the epochal moments from these past Seventy-eight years that have impacted the country for the long term. Who would have thought that a rocket head transported by bicycle would grow into a sophisticated space programme sending science missions to the Moon and Mars? Or that an innocuous television mythological would unleash an angry beast of hatred. India arrived at her tryst with destiny 78 years ago, and in his historic speech that midnight, Nehru said that India had never forgotten the ideals that gave her strength. Can we still say the same? Did we stick to the chosen path or did we stray?
Viksit Bharat
India celebrates its Independence today. This year India Independence Day is celebrated with the theme of “Viksit Bharat” which means Developed India. This theme reflects the Indian government's vision to transform the country into a developed nation by 2047, which will be the 100th anniversary of India's Independence Day 2024, reminds us of all the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters to liberate India from British rule. On 15th August 1947, India was announced free from British imperialism and turned into the biggest vote-based system, the largest democracy in the world. The British have governed India for about 200 years. Under British colonisation, the life of every Indian was depressing and full of struggle. Indians were treated as slaves and had no freedom of speech. Indian rulers were puppets in the possession of British officers. Indian fighters were dealt with cruelty in British camps, and farmers were starving as they couldn't grow crops and needed to pay substantial land taxes.
India couldn't have acquired independence without the efforts of numerous extraordinary freedom fighters. Bhagat Singh, Rani of Jhansi, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Ashfaqulla Khan are some of the notable names. Several women have played a significant part in the Indian freedom movement. Savitribai Phule, Mahadevi Verma, Capt Laxmi Sehgal, Rani Laxmibai, and Basanti Devi are just a few crucial names to remember. These women along with many others played a prominent role in leading India towards its independence. Indian Independence Day 2024 is a national occasion and celebrated as a national holiday on which all workplaces, schools and universities remain closed. This day is a token to the freedom fighters and patriots who sacrificed their lives so we could experience and live in a free land. The tri-colour is hoisted in schools and other institutions on this day. A wind of patriotism and national integration blows across the country on this day. The country is celebrating its 78th Independence Day as it completes 78 years of independence to remind the citizens of the sacrifices made by our forefathers. India will commemorate its past this Independence Day and will also lay plans for the future. It is now in the hands of India’s youth to shape and form the future of our country.
The future of India is in our hands. Let us rise to the occasion and create a nation where every citizen can live with dignity and pride. Today, as we stand united under the tricolour, let us celebrate the extraordinary diversity of our nation. India is a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and religions, yet we are bound together by the spirit of oneness. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of Kerala, we are a nation of contrasts, but our hearts beat as one. Let us cherish our differences, for they enrich our lives. Let us respect each other’s beliefs and traditions. Let us work together to build a harmonious and inclusive India. Only then can we truly realize the dream of our freedom fighters. Let us pledge to uphold the values of unity, peace, and progress. Together, we can create a brighter future for our beloved country.
Conclusion
It is our responsibility to carry forward the legacy of our freedom fighters and build a stronger, more prosperous India. Let us embrace the challenges of our time with courage and determination. Let us harness the power of technology to create a digital India. Let us focus on education and skill development to build a knowledge-based economy. Let us work towards eradicating poverty, inequality, and social injustice. We live in an age where information is at our fingertips. Technology has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. However, the benefits of this digital revolution are not enjoyed by all. The digital divide, the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, continues to persist. As young Indians, we have a crucial role to play in bridging this divide. Our planet is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis. Climate change, pollution, and deforestation are threatening our very existence. It is imperative that we take immediate action to protect our environment. Let us adopt eco-friendly habits in our daily lives. Let us conserve water and energy. Let us plant trees and protect our forests. Let us raise awareness about the importance of recycling and waste management. By working together, we can create a greener and cleaner India. Let us be the generation that leaves a positive legacy for future generations.
“I believe that in the history of the world, there has not been a more genuinely democratic struggle for freedom than ours.” – Mahatma Gandhi
The writer is Counsellor, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama, Kohima, Nagaland
