The fruits of freedom

Looking for change

Better to die fighting for freedom then be a prisoner all the days of your life,” said Bob Marley.  As the 70th Independence Day is being celebrated in a grand manner, youngsters are beaming with pride and enjoying the fruits of liberty. And for some, it’s also a time to look back and cherish what they have.

Kalpana KA, a second-year student of RBANMS, gets nostalgic when she recollects the Independence Day celebrations in her childhood. “I remember taking part in traditional dances, attired in traditional wear, and celebrating it in a great spirit. There used to be lot of music, activities and speeches conducted as a part of the celebrations,” says Sameeksha.

She considers it a blessing to live in a nation with diverse traditions and in a city that is a melting pot of cultures. “We have a huge migrant population here and that is a blessing irrespective of the problems. But safety is also a cause of concern. This is the time to bring the charm of the city back. True freedom is being able to stay in any part of the country and feel safe,” she adds. 

“Freedom is synonymous with equal rights and women need to be able to walk freely and without fear,” says Sameeksha PM, a first-year BCA student of East Point Group of Institutions. “Though women are safer in Bengaluru compared to other cities, there is an indifference from the society when averse situations arise. The change in the mentality has to begin with youngsters,” she says.

She recollects how excited she used to be when the Independence Day was celebrated in her school and residential area. “I would always feel thrilled when the flag was hoisted and the National Anthem was sung. The sweets that came with it added to the spirit of freedom,” she adds.

With another Independence Day here, Sindhu Krishnappa, a young professional, feels that corruption needs to be weeded out and dealt with strongly while the infrastructure here needs to be improved and smooth functioning of all projects ensured. “As youngsters, we need to make sure that one shouldn’t pay or receive bribes,” she adds.

She remembers the importance of Independence Day celebrations when she was young. “But nowadays, even schools and colleges just hold events for the sake of it. Our freedom fighters fought a big struggle and that is why we are living in a secular and free nation now. That needs to be remembered,” adds Sindhu. 

A perfect nation means a nation of fit and healthy people, says Mohammed Tabrez, a first-year BBA student of The Oxford College of Management. With the kind of struggles people have on the roads — including traffic jams and pollution — this seems a little far-fetched.

“Carpooling is the need of the hour. There are many people who have two or more vehicles. Sharing a ride helps to reduce pollution levels, save money and build relationships. Also, youngsters can set the trend by cycling which is considered cool now. This will help people stay fit and reduce carbon emission,” says Tabrez.

 He adds that better health and living standards are a requisite for a nation such as ours.
There is no point celebrating Independence Day unless people become more sensitive to others around, opines Akshay BM, a young musician. “I travel a lot and often my friends and I have witnessed indifference and callousness by people, especially at accident sites. This happens even in a people-friendly city like Bengaluru. Not many are aware about the Good Samaritan law. So they are afraid that they will get involved in legal issues if they help someone who has met with an accident,” says Akshay. He adds that the police force also needs to be a little more sensitive to people when they ask for help.

Clearly, these youngsters are raring to go and making a difference in the society.