The meaning of independence

Independence Day will always hold a special place in the heart of every Indian. But with the changing times, there has also been in a shift in how youngsters view the day. While some see it as a reminder of their true identity, it’s become just another holiday for others.

Shantanu Verma, who works at a start-up, feels that the value of the day has been lost and it’s just a public holiday now. “Patriotism is not littering on the street, following traffic rules, working towards making India a better place. Looking up at a flag being hoisted once a year before you go and relax on your sofa for the rest of the day is not by any means being patriotic,” he says.

His thoug­hts resonate with Praveen B, a professional. “The historical significance has been lost. People just look forward to a holiday in the middle of the week,”
he asserts.

Most students tend to celebrate the day, willingly or unwillingly, because of the programmes held by the college authorities. Anand Bhate, a final-year MBA student at Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, informs that the day starts off with the flag hoisting, followed by inspiring speeches and a cultural programme.

“I always wait to celebrate the day and feel proud to sing the national anthem. I look forward to the skits and dances, which spark a wave of patriotism within me. After that, I spend the day with friends watching old and new patriotic movies on television. In the evening, I leave tri-colo­ured balloons in the air!” he shares.

The colleges under Seshadripuram Educational Trust will also get together to celebrate. “We will have a freedom fighter as the chief guest. There will be a flag hoisting ceremony and a cultural programme by the students. It feels great to celebrate our independence in this way as it adds the essence of patriotism to life,” says Meghana Belavadi, who is pursuing her BCom at Seshadripuram Institute of Commerce and Management.

A few go the extra mile to make the day special for themselves and others. Sarita, a professional anchor, says that August 15 is always an emotional day for her. “I will be visiting an old-age home and spend the day with the residents there. I will also be taking gifts for them and try to bring more smiles on this important day,” shares Sarita.Even Bhavya, a student of MS Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce, will be opting for community service.

“I’m going to an orphanage and spending time there. I’ll wear khadi on the day and even distribute chocolates to street children,” she says. For Kaivalya Kulkarni, an art director, the celebration of  independence happens to fall on his birthday. “I always celebrate thanks to the coincidence. For some reason, my cake is always tri-coloured,” he says.