Freedom in 2020 – The resurrection of Enlightenment

-- Keerthi Raj, Engineer

Thursday, August 6, 2020

India is savoring 73 years of Independence from the British colonial rule. Behind this joy there is a huge sacrifice and hardships of several freedom fighters, whom we commemorate during this auspicious moment. Their struggles and endurances for the sovereignty of India is always upheld in golden chapters of Indian history. The legacy they have left behind is what we are proudly basking throughout these years.

So, a quick time travel back to history, from what did we gain independence from?



During 1750s, British East India company, spread its wings across India – a nation, rich and abundant in resources and spices. Gradually, what it seemed to be a small joint stock company, transformed into a coercive ruling force with the involvement of British government. This ruling system had a heinous impact on economic, socio – cultural and political life of Indians. Subsequently, this led to rise in revolts and conflicts from the common masses and rulers against British ruling propaganda. As a result, starting from a major hit during 1857 against British dominance, the voyage of freedom fighting succeeded its ultimate mission under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1947 August 15. Today we are independent… free from oppressions and suppressions.

India is a country with diverse culture and vibrant society. The journey of 73 years has proved India to be 4th strongest military power, 5th largest economy in world, 5th powerful space research organization, one of the top nuclear-armed country, and above all the largest democratic nation. Transformation from a relatively regressive country to one of the most progressing economy in the world is truly an achievement we can boast off. Our feat in the field of science and technology, space missions, telecommunication, education, tourism, production and manufacturing of materials, women empowerment, transportation, and sports emphasizes the vigorous journey of our country in accomplishing the true vision of independence.

India is considered to be one of the emerging super powers and has extended its venture in discovering innovative technologies such as Integrated guided missile development program (IGMDP) in the field of missile development and Mass transit system connecting several main cities and even neighboring countries. According to sources, India is growing at a rate of 9% per year, securing the title of 2nd largest producer of food. At the same time, several international tech giants such as Google and Facebook are stepping forward to invest in India and this has welcomed several foreign initiatives to plunge into Indian economy. Additionally, India’s flourishing tourism and cultural values have uplifted our prominence and significance around the world.

However, the most cogitative aspect which put us in deep thought is that, India is still lacking in some areas which has a reverse effect on our pace in development.
We cannot deny the fact that our nation is still confronting incessant shortcomings such as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, corruption, exploitation against women and children. The significant bash of these flaws to our economic stability are yet to be subdued, on which we have to toil rigorously.



Apart from these, India is currently striving to stabilize the repercussions from the Covid-19 pandemic. The battle against this virus seems to be a laborious task and India is fairly fighting to curb the disease, to avoid any catastrophe. Moreover, the recent border spat with China and recurring incursions from Pakistan is urging India to take a dispassionate decision since these issues have escalated a serious tension in the relation with these countries.



To conclude, being an Indian it is an innate ability we have acquired to approach things prudently and with no doubt it is evident that India will overcome this crucial phase with strong will power. After all, living in an independent and democratic nation, has always enlightened our perception and ideology in every sense.
Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of an independent nation comprised of equal balance between individual freedom and social responsibility. In broad terms, the ‘Freedom of speech and expression’ inscribed in our constitution has to be utilized for the mutual benefits of an individual as well as for the country’s headway. India is a great country inhabiting dynamic youth with rational convictions and therefore it is the responsibility of each citizen to work towards the integrity of our nation and to evince it as a paradigm of a real independent nation with vision.

Keerthi Raj, Engineer