Another year of "Independence Day celebrations". Let's imagine the day when we got "freedom" from the British, how people might have felt, it is indeed difficult to even guage. They might have run 'here and there' on roads in ecstasy, rejoicing the freedom, happily hoisting our 'tiranga' (flag) and sharing the joy and sweets....Do we all really "rejoice" our independence day with the same fervour now? Have "Independence day" and "Republic day" become just a confirmed holidays to be with the family? I really don't know what you feel while you read this, but I feel upset when I see some people shut themselves inside their house to watch the "Special programs" in TV (which in no way connected to Independence Day) or prefer sleeping for a longer time since it is a "holiday".
I grew up hearing my dad quoting poet Bharathidasan's words,
"தச்சன் கூடுதான் உனக்குச் சதமோ?
அக்கா அக்கா என்று நீ அழைத்தாய்.
அக்கா வந்து கொடுக்கச்
சுக்கா மிளகா சுதந்திரம் கிளியே?",
(Independence is not a dry ginger or black pepper which can be given by the elder sister), which had indirectly made me understand how difficult it was for those freedom fighters to get freedom for our nation. Only because of the so many sacrifices of our people, we got our freedom...but though we 'enjoy' the freedom 'we hardly value' it now!
I remember one of our school day's independence day celebration. It was pouring heavily that day but still none of us moved an inch from the place where we were. Patriotic! That's how we were in our school days and thanks to our teachers and my school, which exposed us to the freedom fighters and spread knowledge about their great sacrifices.
Times got changed now and we have to be blamed for not ensuring our children's participation in "flag hoisting" with pride. We should make them understand our rich heritage and value our Nation. Encourage them to read more about 'our' history and about 'our freedom fighters'. There were some 'real' freedom fighters for whom our country's independence remained their only wish of their life. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose - a great visionary and our great leader, was one of them. Suspiciously, our main stream history books don't talk much about him. What he didn't do for us to enjoy the freedom? It's unfortunate to see him placed as a "forgotten hero". Should we blame the then Government formed in independent India? or a few selfish leaders who ensured that the future India cuts its chords with him? His death still remains a mystery. Many research articles state that British were so scared of him and it's because of him they wanted to leave our nation.
"Where all he went, what all difficulties he faced just to see all of us free". Many documents, movies, articles & books are available online now to know more about his indomitable efforts. He loved his motherland more than his love of life. The popular "slogans" and the "national song" came into existence because of him, for he who advised the then Congress about its importance and the impact it can create in the minds of people.
"Tum Mujhe khoon do, main thume azadi doonga" (Give your blood, I will give you freedom) his quote, even today, makes my blood run fast. He travelled a lot to meet the leaders of other nation (which still looks like a dream for me) to help us get freedom. From Kolkata to Pakistan - Afghan - Germany and travelling in submarine (underwater) for more than 40+ days to reach Japan... Oh God! Terrific it is.... He did all of this during the World War II. One can imagine how much struggle he might have encountered on his way.....
"First Mohammed Ziaudin - an insurance agent, then Ziaudin Khan, a mute tribal Patan and now an Italian count (Orlando Mazzotta)...kya kya na hua ya watan tere pyaar mein"..... (from the film Netaji Subash Chandra Bose - The forgotten hero).
Taking charge of INA, training the soldiers and the way he encouraged to fight for our freedom...gives me goosebumps!!
To add on, Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Muthuramalinga Thevar and so many leaders about whom we get very less information in our school History books. Hence I request you---my peeps---to ponder over the points that I shared and educate our children to learn more about our great leaders and help them walk the path of those pure souls.
Wishing you all a very Happy Independence Day!
Kindly participate in the "Flag hoisting" on 15th August every year, wherever it is convenient for you.
Jai Hind!!
- Suganthi Sankaran
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