Whenever I think of Independence Day, a familiar line echoes in my mind: “Aazad hua aaj ke din desh humara, is vaaste 15 August hai hume pyara,” meaning “Our country became free on this day, and that is why 15th August is dear to us.” From the early years of celebrating 15th August in school to now observing this auspicious day with the community, we have come a long way. I vividly recall conversations with my grandmother about how sweet the taste of independence truly was for her, having witnessed both colonial rule and freedom. She would narrate how under British rule they even had to pay taxes just for cutting grass for their cattle or on the milk they produced – stark reminders of an unfree time. These stories instilled in me a deep appreciation of our freedom and the sacrifices behind it.
The Tricolor being unfurled at Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations. Across the nation, from all school grounds, offices to the ramparts of the Red Fort, the unfurling of the Tricolor fills every Indian heart with pride and joy. Celebrating 15th August has always been a joyous occasion for me. As a school head girl, I remember how we would prepare for Independence Day almost a month in advance – staying late after school to perfect our march-past, cultural programs, and speeches. Later in life, I had the honor of unfurling the Tricolor at my workplace. That moment – saluting the flag as it fluttered in the morning breeze – was indescribable, a surge of patriotism and gratitude that words fail to capture. Each of these experiences, from the school ceremonies to the office flag-hoisting, reminds me how Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s an emotion that binds us as one nation.
As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that the meaning of freedom itself has evolved with time and perspective. In childhood, Independence Day meant a school half day, patriotic songs, and sweets distributed after the flag-hoisting. Today, independence feels far deeper. It is no longer just about the end of colonial rule—it’s about the everyday rights and dignity that shape our lives.
Yet, the truth is that we are still striving for this freedom in many ways. Walking on the streets at night without fear should feel like independence, but for many, it remains out of reach. Speaking our minds openly, pursuing the education or career we desire, or simply being accepted for who we are and how we choose to live—these are freedoms we are still learning to secure.
The word “freedom” remains the same, but its meaning changes with time and context. For our grandparents, it was liberation from foreign rule. For us, it is about creating a society where safety, equality, and opportunity are not privileges, but guarantees. True independence will only be achieved when every individual can live without fear, with dignity, and with the freedom to dream.
While we rightfully celebrate the political freedom gained in 1947, true freedom in today’s context must go further. It must encompass social and economic freedom for all citizens. Mukti, as an organization working at the grassroots, reaffirms its commitment to a deeper, more inclusive liberation — one where every person should enjoy the right to good health, quality education, sustainable agriculture, dignified livelihoods, a thriving environment, and the full protection of their fundamental rights. This is the freedom we strive for in every community we serve. Our nation’s progress means little if a large segment of our people is left behind.
It is heartening to see that the country’s leadership echoes these ideals of inclusive development. In his Independence Day address this year, Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s mission is to reach the last person in society. True social justice is achieved only when “no eligible person is left out”. Such initiatives, aimed at extending the fruits of freedom to the poorest and most vulnerable, resonate deeply with Mukti’s vision of empowerment at the grassroots. True independence, after all, means little if a citizen is shackled by ill-health, illiteracy, or poverty in an independent nation.
This year India marked its 79th Independence Day, but even after seven decades of freedom we are still striving to fulfill the basic needs of all our people. The hard truth is that many of our fellow citizens continue to struggle for essential services and opportunities. Quality healthcare is still out of reach for too many, especially in rural and remote areas. Educational resources and outcomes remain uneven, with children in some communities lacking access to quality schooling. Sustainable livelihoods are a challenge as farmers, fisherfolk, and laborers strive to make ends meet. The Prime Minister paid tribute to India’s farmers in his speech, calling them “the backbone of the nation’s journey from dependency to self-reliance,” and vowed that the country “will not compromise on its farmers’ interests.” Indeed, our farmers and rural communities are at the heart of India’s freedom – it was their toil that filled our granaries and secured our food sovereignty after independence. Yet, in areas like the Sundarbans, farmers still face existential challenges from climate threats and lack of infrastructure. There is much work ahead to ensure that the prosperity and security enjoyed by some Indians reach every Indian.
For Mukti, celebrating Independence Day is not just about remembering the past, but also about renewing our pledge to build a better future. It means rededicating ourselves to bridging the gaps that hinder true freedom in our communities. Whether it is running health camps and Gram Clinic in villages with no hospitals, supporting the education of underprivileged children, training farmers in sustainable practices, or creating livelihood opportunities for women and youth – each of these efforts is a step toward real freedom on the ground. When a mother in a remote village can access proper medical care for her child, that is independence. When a young girl from a marginalized community can go to college and aspire to a bright career, that is independence. When a farmer can grow crops without fearing debt or drought, that is independence. This is the meaning of freedom that we must strive to achieve in our lifetime.
The story of India’s independence is still being written. Each one of us has a role in shaping what freedom will mean in the years to come. Independence Day is thus not only a day of celebration, but also a day of resolution. It urges us to ask: What can I do, as a free citizen of a free nation, to extend the blessings of freedom to others? Whether it is by buying from local farmers, volunteering with community organizations, mentoring a child, or simply raising one’s voice against injustice – each of us can strengthen the fabric of our nation.
On this Independence Day, let us remember that the struggle for freedom did not end in 1947. The baton has been passed on to us in a different form. It is now a fight against inequality, against illiteracy, against injustice and indifference. True patriotism today lies in ensuring that freedom reaches every home. Let’s pledge to work hand-in-hand for an India where everyone can thrive in freedom. That will be the ultimate tribute to the sacrifices of our ancestors and the truest fulfillment of the dreams they saw for an independent India. Jai Hind!
Ankita Kothiyal
Program Director, MUKTI