Freedom: A work in Progress

 

The Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, in his poem "Where the Mind is Without Fear…," envisages an India that is free in all senses of the word. I dream of the India that Tagore envisages, but my reality is a little different.

What I see today is not quite what the great poet envisaged.

While I live in a shining, better India that can boast of rapid strides in medicine, technology, sport, and communication, I’m also witness to a battered and bruised country, whose children are victims of injustice, hatred, violence, and prejudice.

I watch debates and slinging matches on TV, politicians playing the blame game, and read and hear reports of horrendous crimes against women and children, and I’m deeply saddened.

I’m deeply disappointed that we don’t take preservation of this beautiful landscape called India seriously.

Spitting seems to be our birthright. Why are there paan stains on roads, walls, and everywhere? We seem to lack a civic sense.

There is more litter than sand on some beaches.

Roads are riddled with potholes.

The scent of pollution hangs heavy in the air.

Traffic rules are flouted.

I could go on, but I don’t wish to veer towards a depressing post for Independence Day.

I feel hopeful and happy when I read or hear about:

§  NGO’s and communities working to improve the lives of the underprivileged.

§  My countrymen practicing sustainability.

§  Efforts being made towards maintaining a cleaner and greener India.

§ Authorities cracking down on unethical and unhygienic practices of kitchens that prepare my favourite treats.

These are a few of the good things happening in India, and hopefully our nation will become even better. 

Violence will abate, more justice will prevail, walls will be broken down, and boundaries will be erased. Women and children will be unafraid, the youth will pursue their dreams, religion will be a personal choice, and every Indian will be able to live with dignity and without fear.

Freedom would also imply what we give back to our country in terms of responsibility, care, kindness, courage, etc.

 

As India does away with her demons, may Tagore’s poem become a reality. 

This post is my entry for the Blogchatter Bloghop weekly challenge. 

cover image: Independence day greeting/forward