As we approach our 75th Independence Day, the nation grows euphoric celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. This initiative by the Indian government to commemorate its glorious history, people, and culture, is certainly commendable.
We are indeed a sovereign nation – the world’s largest democracy likely to be the fastest-growing Asian economy in 2022-23, according to Morgan Stanley.
But while I gear up to celebrate this special day with friends and family, an ad campaign run by Bharatmatrimony.com captures my attention. It says that 3 out of 4 women in India, to date, do not have any say in choosing the person with whom they would be spending the rest of their lives.
Consider another piece of news recently published in India’s leading newspaper –in Hyderabad. In a suspected case of honour killing, a missing software engineer’s charred remains were recovered from a forest. On questioning suspects, cops traced back the killing to his in-laws who opposed his marriage to their daughter, the two belonging to different castes.
In yet another tragic incident, a father lost his only son because some people were against the religious beliefs of the victim.
Sadly, all this is happening in our country, the country that our PM Modi is poised to drive towards Atmanirbharata. I am definitely proud to be part of India 2.0 by 2047, but my freedom to practice the religion of my choice or marry the person I want to be my life partner is fundamental to my existence. Else, I end up with a life of compromise. And that jeopardizes not just the economic progress of the country but poses a threat to the fundamentals of our democracy.
BUT WHO FIGHTS FOR MY FREEDOM?
Well, during the days when the country was under foreign rule, we had our freedom fighters, the names that we now hear only on Independence Day. They sacrificed their lives to gain freedom from the bondage of foreign subjugation. Freedom that they envisioned not only for India but for every Indian.
Today, if they had been around, not sure if they would have been proud of their achievement. The fundamental rights and freedoms of fellowmen being stifled almost every day by their more powerful counterparts are not what they envisaged 75 years back.
Is there any ray of hope? Is there any way in which we can make our freedom fighters proud of the motherland for which they shed blood?
Yes, I firmly believe all is not lost yet…
Each one of us can take a stand. Stand for our rights and those of our countrymen. It may sound too immature and cliche, but people are doing so. Ordinary men and women dealing with the challenges of everyday life, but not getting bogged down. Instead, walking that extra mile to comfort the grieving soul. Raising their voices and putting their lives at stake every time they find someone being muted by the dominating elements in society.
These extraordinary humans, reverently referred to as the social justice warriors, are around us – putting their blood, sweat and tears into fighting for the rights of those who do not have a voice.
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME OF THESE SPECIAL HEARTS…
Viji Penkoottu is a human rights and women’s activist from Kerala. Her contribution to the ‘Right to Sit’ struggle in Kozhikode received recognition from BBC when she fought for women denied basic rights to sit or use toilets during working hours in the shops and malls of Kozhikode and other parts of Kerela.
Radhika Vemula is another such activist fighting against caste-based discrimination in universities and high educational institutions. She continues the work started by her son Rohith Vemula, who committed suicide after falling prey to Dalit discrimination.
And, finally, we have Laxmi Agarwal, the valiant acid attack survivor. The exemplary courage she has displayed in leading a normal life, despite being an acid victim, has inspired many more who have faced the same fate over the years.
You might be intrigued, why am I referring only to female social activists? Hmm…an interesting observation. I have a point to prove. If women, generally considered to be the weaker gender, can raise their voices, then others have no reason not to do so.
Thankfully, men are not left behind in this freedom struggle.
To prove that I am free from any gender bias, let me remind you of the very popular TV show Satyameva Jayate hosted by none other than Aamir Khan. The show focused on sensitive social issues prevalent in India such as female foeticide, child abuse, rape, honour killings, domestic violence, and many more. While highlighting these social malaises, he presented some of the brave hearts who often go unnoticed.
According to me, they are the real heroes – the freedom fighters of independent India.
They fight for you, me, and all – they give us hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Does that mean we remain silent spectators? Do we continue to wait till they deliver justice to us at our doorsteps? Surely not…
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
It is now our turn to draw inspiration from these beacons of light and dispel the darkness engulfing the lives of the less fortunate ones. Let us pledge to be a voice for the silent sufferers – touching¸ moving and empowering them to eventually fight their own battles.
This blog has been my attempt to contribute, albeit at a minuscule level, to my country, but I am happy to at least have made the beginning.
As the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
I have started, have you?
