Independence Day – What it means to India's youth today?
Saare Jahan se acha, yeh Hindustan hamara
Hum bul-bule hai iski, yeh gulestaaan hamara.
Mohammad Iqbal rightly, summarizes the feelings of love and patriotism of all Indians. On 15 August 1947, when India made a 'Tryst with destiny', we promised to ourselves that India, owing to its diversity, will be an inclusive nation. Social or economic status, sex, religion and region will never be the criteria for judging a person. She/He will be identified by her/his sole identity that is of being 'Indian'. Our leaders reflected the aims and aspirations of every individual and premised India on the strong foundations of liberty, equality and justice. These virtues were upheld to help grow the full personality development of individual, resulting in the progress and prosperity of the country.
As we blow the 62nd birthday candle of India, we recount the contribution of youth in her growth and the significance of Independence Day to youth.
We share a general perception that today's youth are complacent and want to lead a care free life, building their own conventions and rules. We are accused of that 'we are not rooted to our culture' and blindly ape the western culture.
But we are happy, because we lot many achievements to gloat over. We are carving out our own niche in the global arena whether it is by positing ourselves as a powerful IT superpower or an emerging economy. India is leaving it footprints for the world to follow. In the grey times, even when the global recession is looming large almost over the entire world, India is making hay even when the sun is not shining. Such great growth cannot be solely attributed to our great veterans. Great share of thanks goes to our youth – The Youngistan, constituting 51% of our population.
Yes, we readily accept the blame that we are complacent towards our conventions and traditional norms. Because independence does not only mean to us freedom from Britishers and cherishing our 62 year old so called "sovereignty" while watching 'jhankis' on television. Independence includes a broader meaning. It means breaking and shattering all the old myths and notions that have crippled India. It means that we break free from all the taboos that have kept us divided and moving forward as a united nation.
We come out and protest when criminals like Vikas Yadav are allowed to go scot-free on murdering an innocent women. We are on to the streets when we are discriminated on the basis of our sexuality and feel determined to repeal inhumane section 377. We are unhesitant when big companies wastefully use resources earth without heeding sustainability of our environment. Young women are ready to break the old shackles to assert their rightful place in society.
We burst into energy when Sania Mirza hits the ball hard or celebrate when Yuki Bhambri returns with a Junior Australian Open Trophy. We feel proud when youth realize their Bollywood dreams and become icons for not only we, Indians to follow but for the entire world. Priyanka Chopra stunned the world with her beauty, grace and wit when she won Miss World Crown at age of 17. We feel proud when Jai Ho! resonates internationally. We emulate simplicity when VVIPs like young Rahul Gandhi travel as a common man by metro.
Lower caste and class are refusing to be cowed down by social and economic boundaries and ready to beat their own path. The Prince group which won India's talent show on Colors channel comprised of slum children, who were not fortunate to have proper training in dance but were surely fortunate enough to win through their grit and perseverance.
And what better examples than our little Oscar champs who achieved what great affluent stalwarts in Bollywood can only dream of. And, that too, by residing in slums.
Yes, we share the blame that we make our own rules. Because we want to bring to fruition the ideals and goals set by our freedom fighters of real liberty, equality and justice so that we can build an inclusive nation where nobody is marginalized from the respect, honor and fruits of growth of our country. We accept that Independence Day is a holiday for us. But surely the day, when we can relax, introspect our achievements, celebrate and set our goals anew.
We are determined. We have the zeal to move forward and achieve our ambitions. It's just that we live the way we like. After a days hard work, we chill out at a local disc where we are harassed for being morally corrupt. The youth are not corrupt. We are just building a strong superpower nation. Such is the greatness of Indian youth that, unknowingly, we are adding to richness and contributing to India's growth. And, ultimately, making Independence Day more meaningful.
Although, I will not negate the fact that drug abuse and crimes have become much more rampant among youth. Shameful murder of Professor Sabharwal in Ujjain is a case in point. We have become more obsessed towards materialism. And it's lamentable that India gets divided when our very own young representatives spread communal flames. Then we get morally 'corrupted'.
But, we hope, that with stringent laws and nurturing by our guardians and parents we can eliminate the rotten apples in the basket. And build 'India of my dreams'. Jai Ho!
By
-Mithila Bagai
