200 years of slavery-sounds horrible, it must be imaginary- unbearable. But it is neither imaginary nor unbearable for us. Indian history has already experienced it.
The Britishers, in the mid-18th century, declared themselves to be the ruler of India. Britishers settled themselves in India as traders. But they found India a ‘fool’ country, so they started ‘fooling’ the poor country. But their reign didn’t last long.
The great soul, Gandhi, was born in 1869. A long wait was over. Indian history is thankful to Gandhiji, a real ‘mahatma’ who led the Indian mass to the path of freedom and sovereignty and the chained ‘golden bird’ was freed at last on the 15th of August, 1947. Since then this day is celebrated as Independence Day as a reminder of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.
This is a red letter day in the history of India. Delhi being the capital city, special function is held here on this occasion. The main function is held at the Red fort where the Prime Minister of the country hoists the tricolour National Flag.
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It is followed by National Anthem. 21 gun salutes is also given. After these ceremonies the Prime Minister address the nation in which he highlights the country’s projects, programmes and achievements during the year a March past in also organised, which insists the value of discipline and hard work among the participants and brings them one step closer towards their goal of bringing accolades to their motherland.
Independence Day is a national festival, so it is celebrated throughout the country with same zeal and enthusiasm. In the state capital Chief Ministers unfurl the National Flag and deliver speeches. All pledge to protect the freedom and integrity of the country. In schools this day is celebrated with great pomp and show by the students. Several programmes are held to make the students aware of the importance of this glorious day.
Thus Independence Day is a memorable day for all the Indians because this auspicious day gave them free country to live, free air to breathe and free thought to act. A great scholar once said, “What light is to eyes, what air is to the lungs, what blood is to the heart, liberty is to the sound of man.” Of course there is nothing like liberty on earth. But liberty has no meaning unless there is justice for all.
Many years have passed, but India is not cent percent free. The word ‘Independence’ -a boon to humanity has turned to be a bane to the Indian mass at large. Corruption, nepotism, terrorism, regionalism, lingualism and many more are the shackles of slavery in India.
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India is free but not the Indians are. We are facing a great alarming situation all around as if we are living under the shade of fear. It is the free India for which our freedom fighters fought? It is high time for retrospection. Still we need another but more vibrant struggle for freedom in the real sense.
Independence Day celebration should be taken for granted. Instead it must be taken as a day of rejuvenation of our spirits and oath to be truthful to our nation by fighting honestly with the challenging time and to be always in a position of saying proudly “Saare Jahan Se Achha, Hindustan Hamara!!”.