Independence Day 2021: Indians share thoughts on freedom, future, growth and inclusivity

Every year on August 15, India celebrates its independence, remembering the journey and struggle behind attaining it. On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, Indian Express’ Riya Joseph reached out to people across age-groups to understand what independence means to them, and their hopes and wishes for the future of this diverse nation. (Designed by Abhishek Mitra)

“Independence for me is the freedom to form my own opinions and to make decisions for myself,“ says Riya S V, an engineering student from Thiruvananthapuram. The day is a reminder that no fight will end up being fruitless. “Our ancestors fought and suffered a lot for the freedom that we enjoy today and hence I would not wish to waste it.”

Vishnu, a 26-year-old restaurant manager, hopes for a stronger presence of India on a global platform. He says, “I hope we get a strong individual identity on a global scale in terms of economic growth.”

For Kerala-based IT professional Akash Joseph, independence is about being strong enough to sustain oneself. “Being an independent country means that we depend on ourselves for our needs and problems.” He also hopes to see sustained economic growth and a better governance for the country.

Shada Amina, a journalism student from Bengaluru, envisions a brighter future for India. “As far-fetched as it sounds now, I dream of an India that is anti-caste, secular, and safe— for women, for immigrants, for journalists, for the LGBTQIA+ community,” she says.

Yashas Bhardwaj, a 23-year-old wildlife enthusiast, says independence is freedom for every living being. Sharing his plans for Independence Day he says, “This year, we are planning to conduct awareness drives on wildlife trafficking and illegal wildlife pet trades.”

Shahna NB from Thiruvananthapuram hopes for an India envisioned by BR Ambedkar. One that “stands for the constitutional rights of the people of the land”.

Mini Mathew, a teacher from Kerala, says independence to her is the independence of the mind. “I believe true independence is when your mind is liberated from the petty norms and rules which govern society. Taking decisions and executing them without interference or judgment and learning from mistakes.”

“Celebration of Independence Day is to thank the armed forces for keeping us safe and guarding us well,” shares 60-year-old retired airport manager U Anand Subbaram.

“Independence is being able to live a life by one’s own choice -- responsible and well thought out,” says Hage Yami from Arunachal Pradesh. “This Independence Day, we’ll be at home with the family watching the usual live broadcast of celebrations at the capital.”

“Independence, according to me, is dependence on myself as far as possible,” says Valsalakumari R, a central government employee from Kerala. She believes through better utilisation of manpower resources -- which is available aplenty in the country -- we can help in the economic progress of the country.

“Independence is the freedom to choose my path on my own conviction,” says Kerala-based engineer, Somanath S. His vision for India is a nation built on technological strength for the growth and welfare of its citizens, and humanity as a whole.