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Spirit of independence
By Geetika JainIs it true that we are already disillusioned with the feeling of independence or have we started taking it for granted?
Is it true that we are already disillusioned with the feeling of independence or have we started taking it for granted?
Kites are few,
Lonely is the sky.
Spirit of independence,
Dying with a cry.
Scant are the doves,
Hawks are on prey.
Spirit of independence,
Dying with each day.
Freedom is invaluable,
Don`t let it dwindle.
Spirit of independence,
Let all of us rekindle.
Entering the 57th year of our well-deserved independence, it is an apt question to ask why the celebration of being independent is dying or becoming merely ceremonious with each passing year.
While in our own spheres, we are becoming more and more free and independent, as a nation, as a whole, we are becoming captive of our own follies. This individualistic approach towards the idea of independence sounds the death knell for the overwhelming, all-encompassing freedom of the country.
Gone are the years when the celebrations ranged from flying kites to freeing doves to religiously attending PM`s speech on the Red Fort or at least making it sure not to miss it on television. These days, I haven`t met a young person for a long time who is thrilled about flying kites for any reason beyond its sports value. Kite as an expression of freedom is long forgotten. And about doves, the lesser said the better.
Talking about attending PM`s speech, it is not fair to blame the youth entirely. Statesmen of yesteryears were leaders with vision. Whereas today is the time when every leader in power tries to cash on Independence Day as an occasion to make all-pleasing statements or leave no stone unturned to take a dig at the Opposition parties. And God forbid, if it is an election year, then the speech is nothing beyond a populist pamphlet. So, if the speech is scrutinised only by political pundits for purely academic reasons, there is no complaining about it.
Well, that doesn`t say it all. The spirit of independence should undoubtedly be more than suddenly-discovered, one-day patriotism. Just singing `Vande Matram` wouldn`t make any of us truly patriotic. But valuing independence, our own and everybody`s, in everyday life will amount to the true expression and celebration of being free and independent.
Lonely is the sky.
Spirit of independence,
Dying with a cry.
Hawks are on prey.
Spirit of independence,
Dying with each day.
Don`t let it dwindle.
Spirit of independence,
Let all of us rekindle.
While in our own spheres, we are becoming more and more free and independent, as a nation, as a whole, we are becoming captive of our own follies. This individualistic approach towards the idea of independence sounds the death knell for the overwhelming, all-encompassing freedom of the country.
Gone are the years when the celebrations ranged from flying kites to freeing doves to religiously attending PM`s speech on the Red Fort or at least making it sure not to miss it on television. These days, I haven`t met a young person for a long time who is thrilled about flying kites for any reason beyond its sports value. Kite as an expression of freedom is long forgotten. And about doves, the lesser said the better.
Talking about attending PM`s speech, it is not fair to blame the youth entirely. Statesmen of yesteryears were leaders with vision. Whereas today is the time when every leader in power tries to cash on Independence Day as an occasion to make all-pleasing statements or leave no stone unturned to take a dig at the Opposition parties. And God forbid, if it is an election year, then the speech is nothing beyond a populist pamphlet. So, if the speech is scrutinised only by political pundits for purely academic reasons, there is no complaining about it.
Well, that doesn`t say it all. The spirit of independence should undoubtedly be more than suddenly-discovered, one-day patriotism. Just singing `Vande Matram` wouldn`t make any of us truly patriotic. But valuing independence, our own and everybody`s, in everyday life will amount to the true expression and celebration of being free and independent.