Many more happy returns of the day, Bharat Matha. It was on this day 72 years ago she was freed from the clutches of foreigners.
It was on this day in 1947 her own childrengot the mandate to take care of her.
It was on this day seven decades ago people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, cutting across language, religion and caste barriers, officially got the proud identity – Indians.
Cut to the present, the question that still remains alive and active is – Are we really independent and are we able to enjoy the fruits of freedom? True, the British had left the country. But there are a lot of other things that make us remain as slaves.
Despite all the technological growth and infrastructure development, not everyone is able to get food three times a day, corruption cannot be completely driven out of the country and discrimination prevails in various forms.
This is certainly not the freedom dreamt of by Gandhi, Nehru, Bose and tens of lakhs of others who fought for independence.
Lately, with various forces working overtime to destroy the unity of the nation, it is time for us, Indians, to be clear about our destination which will ultimately decide our destiny.
By putting aside differences, we should take a pledge to work in tandem to identify vested interests and fuel common interest.
And there can be no better occasion than today to do it. It is already late, but better later than never. And small drops alone make a huge ocean. Jai Hind.