Our achievements

Even after completing 70 years of independence, a milestone to cherish for, the same question still manages to linger for all these years–are we free? And if at all we are free, what is the degree of development which marks that edge of freedom? It is indeed an achievement of patriotism to have come through rigorous ups and downs, rising from a third world to a developing country and advancing to become a developed country.

From that midnight joy of freedom on the 15 August 1947 and drafting the most elaborate constitution in 1950, to assisting other nations in their drive for independence and being a significant stakeholder in international issues at present, it has been great achievement.

The social structure of India has seen substantial uplifts in standards of living. It has been able to live up to the ideals of a secular socialist nation as now the society has become much more liberal from being male dominant as women nowadays have their voices heard at national and international forums.

They have not only got rid of malpractices like Satior Purdah system but are also holding significant posts like being the president of India. Our nation has proved to coexist peacefully amidst diversity. In matters of evolution of standards, the freedom of press needs essential mention.

With historic judgements, the nation’s judicial system has set an example by reinforcing, time and again, the essence of freedom of the press. In matters of economy, India as an agrarian nation has been self dependent in growth of various crops and the field of agriculture has undergone a technological revolution. Industry in India has also evolved and holds a firm stand in the world economic forum. The country also soars high in the field of space science as numerous satellites are being launched by ISRO and mind blowing discoveries are being made. As for globalisation, India’s stand in favour of disarmament, freedom and liberty for all nations is quite commendable. She has also voiced against injustices like child labour and human rights’ violation in times of aggression and opposed the sometimes autocratic attitude of the UN.

Also India has supported the various environmental protection treaties in the global platform. But still a lot more is needed to be done. It is unfortunate to say that nowadays women’s security in India is at stake. The country still suffers from the problems of child labour, which is an indirect consequence of the ever growing population.

are yet to overcome the adversities of communalism threatening the country’s secular spirit. Employment opportunities in India are still deemed insufficient. To eradicate these problems, India must get rid of the deep rooted corruption to which the innocent citizens have fallen victim. But looking deeper, the truth is that we cannot deny our roles in encouraging this corruption.

We have proved ourselves as irresponsible citizens by identifying with our respective classes and religions rather than calling ourselves an Indian. However, looking at the larger picture, India will always remain a land of festivals, culture and heritage.

Schools in our country instill values in the students to become future leaders. For the last 70 years India is still considered the largest democracy and has succeeded in line with the idealist constitution which defines her as the sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.

(Sayan Chandra, Coordinator, Class XII, St Thomas' Boys' School, Kidderpore)

Freedom redefined

Saptak was overwhelmingly charmed and enthused as he was left captivated by an enlightening thought like never before. Since his childhood, many independence days had come and gone, like any other day. It held nothing special for him, except hoisting flags, reading articles on Indian independence on different tabloids.

But this Independence Day turned really meaningful for him after listening to stories about it from his favourite teacher. Until today, Saptak felt the pressure of being the first boy, not only academically but also in other co-curricular activities like sports, art and music.

He had to find pleasure in the boring textbooks of physics and chemistry so that he could become a successful person in future instead of playing outside or reading story books. But today he could feel a change in himself. With his teacher’s words, he found the term “independence” connect right to his soul. To him, independence meant a way of reinventing one’s self. At school, the headmaster hoisted the flag amidst students’ clapping followed by the parade. “How elegantly the flag flutters,” thought Saptak.

Suddenly he felt he was no longer the one who has to constantly prove his potential before others but the one whom the country needs. It began to drizzle and his friends ran under the shades but he did not move. As the raindrops ran down his body, he felt elated and free. Independence to him was embarking on a journey within himself and to rediscover himself each day and in each situation in a new light.

He dreamt of a prosperous India like the days of yore where there will only be love, respect and laughter and every citizen will be a “Good Samaritan”.

(Manjush Halder, Coordinator, Class VIII, Bongaon High School)

Facing an identity crisis

It has been 70 years since we have declared our identity to our colonial masters. Was it our struggle or the burdening of war that spilt apart the economy of Britain which led to our independence, still remains as an open-ended question. Yet, amongst all these debates and highheated discussions, we as Indians face an identity-crisis.

When the drafting of our constitution neared its completion in late 1949, our founders tried to establish a national identity. Religious identity had no mention and the democracy of India was given in the hands of the people to design their own social setup.

Yet, in the later process of decentralisation and formation of states, we contradicted our own founding principles. We divided our country into states based on language. We created multiple pockets of civil unrest based on cultural and linguistic divisions. The names of our states came from the languages we spoke. Iremember when I participated in different school essay contests and the results were declared online.

A student from one state had found a place in the merit list and his essay was put up for everyone to read. In the initial few lines, he wrote his personal details including name, state and school. Writing the name of the state and highlighting it amazed me but it was then I realised for the first time that how fears associated with identity-crisis could lead to inter-personal divisions.

That more states shall form in India should not come to us as a surprise. When the foundation is weak, a building cannot stand as one. Over the years, the religious divide began to grow. The inclusion of the word ‘secular’ and making the preamble poetic with the addition of alliteration, we stumbled on our own policies. Short sightedness of the system crumbled the peace of the country.

We felt confused with the treatment of all sects and classes equally or appeasement of minorities as the ideal definition of a nation.

We created several identities in one nation. So, when people say that we should act as one country and raise the topic of ‘Uniform Civil Code’, I wonder: A nation where Indians live harmoniously with equal treatment or a nation where people of different communities, general and reserved, men and women, all live together as one. If the definition of unity is based upon divisive words, we are surely facing an identity crisis.

My experience in Japan takes me to the days when the nation celebrates national holidays. Holidays in Japan are some of the most interesting ones. Mountain Day, Marine Day, Day for the aged, Culture Day, Sports Day are considered as national holidays. Religion sees no holiday at all.

As a part of their culture, each national holiday is marked with hosting of the Japanese national flag at each individual’s house.

How often do we think of celebrating our nationhood than hosting flags which depict our religious and sectarian identity? We battle over our ancient languages and call their imposition as ‘intolerance’. We refrain from shouting national slogans as it is against certain religious fundamentals. It is still a question why religion has taken precedence over a nation. Rationally, a religion does not build an economy or improve living conditions.

It is a nation which can do that. The idea of a collective national identity is a dream for India.

When students fight for freedom of speech, all rights and privileges come with the idea of a nation. To fight against the very principle of nationhood and support people who are a threat to the sovereignty of the country makes no sense at all. It is hypocrisy. It is the same divide-andrule politics.

Policies can be changed with governments but the thought process can change only with generations.It is the parents and teachers who need to inculcate a sense of pride towards nationhood amongst children. Getting close to Independence Day when we are celebrating 70 years of freedom, let’s look into ourselves and define our identity.

Happy Independence Day!

(Trishit Banerjee, Ex-Birla School, Kalyan)