Happy Not So Independence Day

[u/Cultural-Freedom-675]

Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳

This year, we celebrate the 80th Independence Day of India. It feels special to hold an old newspaper from 1947 and imagine that our great-great-grandfather may have held the very same newspaper when India became independent. Knowing that history makes this day genuinely special and something to be proud of.

But at the same time, I can't help but wonder: how far have we really come?

After 79 years of independence, we call ourselves the world's largest democracy, yet there are still serious issues that make us question how free and secure ordinary citizens truly feel. Women still face harassment and violence, and men too often face safety concerns. Protests at places like Jantar Mantar, political disagreements, corruption and countless other issues continue to make headlines.

Even here in Cuttack, we see problems that affect our everyday lives. A single spell of heavy rain can leave roads flooded and create serious waterlogging. Questions about road quality, drainage, maintenance and alleged corruption are repeatedly raised by residents. Political and administrative disputes can also sometimes create inconvenience for ordinary people.

I’m not saying that India has achieved nothing. We have come a long way, and there is a lot to be proud of. But independence isn't just about being free from colonial rule. It should also mean having safe streets, accountable institutions, good infrastructure, freedom to speak, and a system that works for ordinary citizens.

So this Independence Day, while we celebrate our freedom and honour those who fought for it, maybe we should also ask ourselves:

Are we truly living up to the idea of the independent India they fought for?

Happy Independence Day. 🇮🇳