FREEDOM IS NOTHING BUT A CHANCE TO DO BETTER

Every year all of us celebrate Independence Day on 15^th August with a sense of pride and nationalism. In a country where youth constitute more than 40% of our population, this day has a special significance as a fresh round of discussion on the correct meaning and relevance of freedom sets in every year. Interestingly however, this topic – freedom remains a point of constant discussion among the youth, especially the students of colleges and universities. Ironically, many students spend lots of their precious time discussing this subject, but fail to understand and appreciate the true meaning of this word. Some of these students get trapped in a vicious cycle of limitless discussion and controversy created by vested interest groups with an ulterior motive. In this way, such students not only waste their prime period of life, but also put their family in some inconveniences. 

The British historian, social reformer and novelist Charles Kingsley says that there are two types of freedom – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; and the true, where he is free to do what he ought to do. Actually, true freedom signifies responsibility, goodness, courage, integrity, authenticity, empathy, inner strength and sincerity.

Student life provides every student the golden opportunity to know the value of freedom. And to realise the benefits of achieving freedom from injustice, illiteracy, vanity, prejudices, bondages and other negative things and to become capable to effect the positive change in that direction is the certificate of real education and freedom. 

Many great people have said in no uncertain terms that only by securing a few degrees, wearing expensive clothes or delivering good speech, nobody can claim to have real education and freedom. Actually, to be free from all the bad things to live a purposeful life where the good of the self together with the welfare of family, society and the country should be the life’s goal of every responsible citizen. 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam says that freedom is not just about independence; it is about self-discovery and self-realisation. The message of Dr. Kalam is loud and clear. Isn’t it?

Normally, people take freedom as a blanket license for doing whatever they want. But can illegal and anti-social acts be treated as justified by any definition of freedom? Can violent protests and movements against any issue and destruction of public and private properties be ignored or condoned in the name of freedom? 

Many wise persons including Peter Marshall assert that freedom should be seen, not as the right to do as you like, but as the opportunity to do what is right. They also say that both rights and duties are part of freedom. Talking about our youth, they must have the freedom to engage themselves in studies, sports, travel, conversation and such other activities as clearly mentioned in our constitution for every citizen of this democratic country. 

Anyway, for all the people including youth, it is necessary to acquire knowledge, develop their understanding and increase their physical and mental strength on a priority basis.

It is not out of context to discuss here the condition of common people even after seventy-nine years of our growth journey since our country got freedom. Undeniably, a sizable number of people are still struggling to have the three most basic necessities of life namely food, clothing and housing, notwithstanding the rapid progress registered during the last twelve years. 

The other important necessities like education, health and employment for all are yet to be addressed in a befitting manner by all governments – central as well as state. Lots of public money has been spent with ever growing budgetary allocation, but the desired and commensurate results have not been registered. This has really been disappointing and a cause of serious concern. 

Now it is very essential for all sincere and committed policy makers, bureaucrats, social activists, media persons and such other people from all fields to join hands in order to find suitable and sustainable solutions so that we can make the country really self-reliant and at least free from all major problems, particularly concerning our common people. Ironically, some of these problems are actually man-made and system related, which must be solved urgently. 

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.   (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)     

# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.

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