August 15 brings back all the memories of India's historical freedom struggle. The day marks the creation of world's largest democracy. This year we have entered into 60th year of our Independence. It's yet again the time to analyse what India has achieved in the previous years. And for sure, our hearts swell with proud, oozing love and respect for our mother nation.
Agrees Saurabh Sharma, an MBA student, "There are perhaps very few nations in the world with the enormous variety that India has to offer. I am proud of being born here."
The people of India are rejoicing and celebrating in full spirit the country's proudest day. But it cannot be overlooked that there are still many areas where our country needs improvement. No doubt, there is no alien power ruling us, but it cannot be ignored India is still struggling for freedom from multitude of social problems.
"Our country is suffering from wide-spread corruption. The youth should stand united and try to rid the nation of the deep malaise," says Neha Gupta, a budding software developer.
Female infanticide, farmers' suicide, poverty, communal disharmony, child labour, surging crime and corruption are few roadblocks in India's successful journey ahead. The situation is really grim and we, as responsible citizens, should not turn a blind eye.
For instance, India is a home to world's largest number of child labourers in the world. Studies have proved that improvement in educational system has proved to be an effective measure in curbing this problem. Sadly, if we look around we can easily find children being employed as helping hands for domestic and commercial purposes. Golu, a 15-year-old boy working as servant in a house, says, "hamara bhi school jaane ka man karta hai, par jeena hai to kaam karnein mein burai nahin hai."
{{/usCountry}}For instance, India is a home to world's largest number of child labourers in the world. Studies have proved that improvement in educational system has proved to be an effective measure in curbing this problem. Sadly, if we look around we can easily find children being employed as helping hands for domestic and commercial purposes. Golu, a 15-year-old boy working as servant in a house, says, "hamara bhi school jaane ka man karta hai, par jeena hai to kaam karnein mein burai nahin hai."
{{/usCountry}}The helplessness was writ large on that child's face. TK Matthew, Chief Executive & Secretary of Deepalaya, an NGO, asserts "Although the government is conscious and through proper legislation and welfare means, has embarked upon setting things right, poor children are still denied the basic rights in slums as well as urban areas."
One is greatly pained to see that in a country which gave birth to daughters like Rani Lakshmibai, Indira Gandhi and Bachendari Pal, a number of female foetuses are killed everyday. Though the government has recently come up with the slogan, 'don't kill your daughter, the state will adopt it,' in reality it has not been very sucessful in curbing this menace.
The recent uproar in Punjab over the imitation of Guru Gobind Singh's attire by the sect's chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and the entire episode of Gujjar protest in Rajasthan are question marks on a truly free India.
I-day is a special day, to celebrate the spirit of being independent, and to make the celebrations and fanfare all the more meaningful, it is necessary to wake up and stand for the cause of our country. A constructive approach and commitment is all we need to relish the state of being free.