Lots of things have changed since I posted my last blog, for instance the Prime Minister of our country changed so did the governing party. I quit my job, shifted state and also got married….So much for changes ah!!!
Today as India/ Bharat my mother nation celebrates its 67th Independence day a thought strikes my mind again as always…How independent are we??? Ironical as the maximum number of messages I got today read ” Do not send me Independence day messages, and don’t send me the same because I am married.”
What message does it give, that all married people lack independence. What is independence after all??
Is it only restricted to being free from the colonial powers, the freedom bought by the sacrifice of thousands of brave men and women for whom this nation was not just the place they were deemed to be born? or is it the unending opportunities of trade and commerce that was opened up in the 90’s? Is it the constantly spoken about women empowerment? Is it the freedom to gain residence in a foreign nation without being judged as inferiors?? OR Is it the freedom to be vocal about each and every thought that crosses one’s mind on social media?
Freedom could be all these. Independence on the other hand is a self manifested state. We the people of this generation were never slaves. But each day we choose to be slaves to many vices that have no part in our lives. If today a married person considers himself/ herself to be dependent that I would say is ones own making. Independence is yours, but to be in that state one has to ask for it. In marriages that might be through talks. In jobs through negotiations. The truth is its you who enslave yourself so its only you who can take the steps to be independent.
In a nation where changes come and go more in writing than in practice, it would be a change in itself if each individual would take charge and follow Gandhiji’s words “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”.
So people out there who think you are in dependence.. stand up, and be independent. Remember, Independence does not only mean earning and standing on your feet, for those who are house makers it means that your home and household becomes helpless without you.
India might be independent, but she is a long way from being free. freedom from poverty, corruption and lots of things. But as you all know no fight begins without an individual. So begin the change reaction within and around us to create a truly free and independent country.
With these thoughts, it is Satrangee Parachute taking a step towards change….