independent
ɪndɪˈpɛnd(ə)nt/
adjective
1.
free from outside control; not subject to another’s authority.
synonyms: freethinking, individualistic, unconventional, maverick;
2.
not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence.
synonyms: self-sufficient, self-supporting, self-sustaining, self-reliant, self-standing, able to stand on one’s own two feet
With a definition like that as India celebrates 70 years of her so called “independence”, we must truly question how independent India really is. In today’s time there is a rise in what constitutes nationalism and apparently any kind of criticism is seen as anti-national because when our parents or teachers criticise us in the hope we improve they are totally against us. There is no denying the fact that India has come a long way since 60 years ago but are we still truly independent?
Does independence include women not being able to wear what they want or roam the streets after it is dark? Does independence include not being able to eat what you want? Does independence mean being censored? Does independence mean not being able to express your own views or justify them?
The answer to all the above questions is no and till each individual is not able to do what they want and express what they feel we will never be independent but atleast there’s celebrating the fact that we are now on our own and don’t have the British breathing down our necks. So let’s march ahead and work till each one of us cannot claim that we are independent!