Independence Day special
As the sun goes down the horizon his August 15, 2023, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), a grand nationwide event spanning two year celebrating the very essence of India, would come to an end. This will also mark the 77th anniversary of India’s hard-fought independence from British colonial rule.
Launched March 12, 2021, the Mahotsav was not merely a series of events, but a reflection on the nation’s journey over the past seven and a half decades. It celebrated the courage, sacrifice, and determination of the countless individuals who fought valiantly for India’s freedom. The events organised and initiatives undertaken during this period aimed to educate, inspire, and unite the people of India.
Ahead of this year’s Independence Day, Sunday POST caught up with some eminent people from different professions to get their takes on the Mahotsav and what freedom means to them at this time.
‘Reality doesn’t align with an India
our ancestors envisioned for’
Author and National Award winning filmmaker Biyot Projna Tripathy, listing a few positives, said, “Over the span of these 75 years, we have constructed roads, expanded our railway networks and built more airports. There also has been a surge in technology and television usage. The country witnessed overall growth.”
However, she went on to point out that there is an increase in the number of people living below the poverty line and that the rate of crime has shot up.
The lawyer further said, “Besides, our nation is becoming increasingly unsafe for women, and lawlessness is on the rise. This reality does not align with the vision our ancestors had for an Independent India. The feeling of insecurity is growing, and the voices of the common people are diminishing. Contemplating this situation leaves me feeling powerless, as I’m unsure of what went wrong.”
Delving deep, she added, “The entire country seems to have lost its orderliness. Agricultural land is diminishing as interest in cultivation wanes. Urbanisation is rampant, resulting in the disappearance of forests and wildlife and the shrinking of rivers. Public speeches are often marked by hostility, and even celebrations and protests have taken on a more unruly nature.”
The prevailing atmosphere is far from positive, almost as if happiness has faded away. Mediocrity has replaced excellence as the new standard. Remarkably, even after 75 years of independence, we still struggle to manage our waste,” laments the director of Coffe House.
“Nonetheless, there is still hope for our country. Recently, the youth have begun to think critically and voice their opinions fearlessly. May my country and its people endure and flourish in the long run,” concludes Tripathy.
‘It’s crucial to develop the ability to
relish the fruit of freedom’
Sharing her perspective, Adyasha Das, author and singer, says, “As we envision the future of India, we must also reflect on its past accomplishments. Celebration of AKAM which translates to the ‘Nectar Festival of Freedom’ has been designed especially for the younger generation. By incorporating this perspective, we commemorate Independence Day to honour historical figures, various rights and rituals, and diverse cultures. The significant value of this commemoration lies in its ability to acquaint the youth with India’s journey to independence and the challenges faced by the freedom fighters and citizens.”
She continued: “Many youths lack awareness of this history, but through this government-initiated programme, the historical narrative is introduced to provide them with essential knowledge. Recognizing that the youth constitute the nation’s future, it becomes imperative for them to be well-versed in their roots as a point of reference for the times ahead.”
Refusing to echo the sentiments of people who are not happy with the present scheme of things, Das added, “I hold the belief that our nation currently experiences the genuine liberty envisioned by our ancestors. My viewpoint has consistently been optimistic, leading me to endorse embracing the ideals and gifts bestowed upon us by our forefathers. It is crucial for us to develop the ability to fully relish this freedom.”
The Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management signed off by saying, “In my opinion, I find myself residing in an improved India today, or I would even venture to say a better world, largely due to the educational heritage passed down to us.”
‘Authentic freedom should be
dynamic, alive, and intrinsic’
Famous bilingual poet Durga Prasad Panda said, “I find myself inclined to mourn more than celebrate when it comes to the AKAM. My perspective on this matter is grounded in my own reasons, which I’ll candidly share.”
Commenting on the present scenario, he maintained, “As a poet and critical thinker, I tend not to be swayed by government slogans, empty phrases, and symbolic gestures. The truth is that the general population isn’t truly as liberated and autonomous as the narrative would suggest. Recent years have witnessed numerous horrifying incidents across the nation, and the official responses to these events have eroded people’s trust in the fundamental mechanisms of our democracy.”
Carrying on in the same vein, the accomplished poet said, “Authentic freedom should be dynamic, alive, and intrinsic—a reality that is experienced, not just a concept on paper. Unfortunately, those who express dissent through creative endeavours and those who raise uncomfortable questions are often labelled as anti-national. Consider the impact of the Amrit Mahotsav celebration on individuals like Omar Khalid and others who are imprisoned for expressing their opinions.”
Far from being happy over the two-year celebration, Panda thundered, “The manner in which these official festivities are forcefully imposed on the populace raises suspicions about whether it might serve as a way to divert attention from pressing issues that truly matter, effectively glossing over the topics the government wishes to avoid discussing.”
However, he clarified, it’s not that there’s an absence of freedom altogether.
Borrowing a concept from George Orwell, he concluded, “Rather, what we have is freedom transformed into a set of privileges accessible to only a select few, creating a scenario where some enjoy more freedom than others.”
‘Time for civil society to take the lead’
Prof Arun Kumar Nayak, former Principal of UN Autonomous College, Adaspur, says, commemorating the AKAM doesn’t solely signify substantial accomplishments. Genuine jubilation emerges when every Indian’s fundamental necessities are met. True liberation remains elusive if citizens lack the rights to voice opinions and ideas in a nation like India, adds Nayak.
“Upholding our constitution is essential, and it’s time for civil society to take the lead. In my view, the celebration’s value lies in achieving comprehensive well-being for all, fostering freedom of expression, and fortifying respect for our foundational principles,” he says.
‘Independence extends far
beyond territorial autonomy’
Young Odia film actress B M Baisali says, “As we approach the closure of this momentous event August 15, it is imperative to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation. Undoubtedly, India has come a long way since gaining independence. We have witnessed tremendous growth in various sectors, advancements in technology, and an overall improvement in the standard of living for many.”
However, it would be remiss to ignore the stark realities that still plague the society, hindering the attainment of independence for all citizens in its truest sense, adds the Phalguna Chaitra actress.
Independence, to her, extends far beyond political or territorial autonomy, she asserts.
Her idea of freedom means embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity – irrespective of one’s caste, religion, or regional origin. It means nurturing an environment where every citizen can confidently exercise their right to express opinions without fear of persecution or censorship. It encompasses the emancipation of every individual from the clutches of poverty, oppression, and basic deprivations. While some sections of society have indeed progressed, there remains a significant portion that continues to grapple with socio-economic inequalities, lacking access to education, healthcare, and even essential amenities. It cannot be measured merely by the number of years that have passed since independence. The essence of freedom lies in upholding the principles of equality and social justice for a liberated India, elaborates Baisali.
She ends with a note, “It is our collective responsibility to strive towards these goals and work towards building a society where every individual can truly experience the essence of freedom to achieve the ideals our forefathers envisioned.”
‘Real purpose behind
Mahotsav remains puzzling’
Visual artist Firdausi Tabassum said, “The Government’s touted AKAM appears to be nothing more than a propagandistic display. Throughout this celebration, we’ve observed acts of prejudice and violence targeting specific communities, appalling attacks on women, an unmanageable surge in prices, and the distressing grip of unemployment. The true purpose behind this AKAM remains puzzling, leaving us uncertain about its objectives and accomplishments.”
An angry Firdausi further said, “Regrettably, the actions of the Government’s agencies have tarnished our nation’s reputation, and we find ourselves devoid of the genuine liberty envisioned by our predecessors. In my view, true freedom encompasses the ability to express oneself openly, the right to live with dignity, and the principle of equality.”
MADHUSMITA SAHU, OP
