What does the Independence Day mean to you?

Dear Friends,

Today, I am sharing my views and feelings on our upcoming 65th Independence Day of Republic of India. On this day, we generally witness a very energetic and vibrant celebration across the nation. We express our great concern from the bottom of our hearts for our beloved motherland to be more shining and strong emerging nation on the global platform.

Likewise you all, I am also the person having the same concern for the growth of our developing nation – India. I also celebrate all the national festivals along with regional festivals with the same spirit and enthusiasm. On this occasion of our 65th Independence Day celebration, a question raised in my mind: WHAT DOES THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MEAN TO US? This question is having different answers from the different people representing different societies and fields. A small child will answer with a cheerful smile on wearing on the face, “Independence day is the holiday in the school and freedom from the homework”. A businessman will answer, “A routine day”. An entrepreneur, involved in restaurant or entertainment will answer, “Sorry boss, it’s a busy day for us to earn money”. An employee will answer, “Our day to enjoy the sleep till late morning, relax with the family and get rid of boss’ orders”. A politician will answer, “It is the day to host the National flag, deliver speeches representing the development of the state / nation”. A government personal will answer, “A day to attend various ceremonial functions and chilling out”. A soldier will proudly answer, “A festival day to be dedicated to the motherland”. A writer will answer, “A day to write up motivational / eye-opener write ups and generate the awareness”. A poet will answer, “A day to pay homage in poetic manner”. An artist will answer by its energetic power packed motivational performance…etc. Thus, this question has different answers and we’ll find these variations based on the individual perception. But, what does the Independence Day mean in real sense?

Today, we are against the system and protest against the governance. We get united to make our system corruption free, smooth, transparent and independent. Agreed, but it is not only our right to get the clean system, it is also our responsibility to maintain it clean with our unity as well. It is really wonderful thing to see our unity during various occasions like cricket match, festivals, national ceremonies, protest against the system…etc. We do demonstrate our serious concern for the nation in various ways. In fact, even to FIGHT against the system also, we are united!

But, also it is painful that this unity is like a balloon of gas, when the gas is released from the balloon, the balloon lands in the rubbish and to keep the balloon in the air, the continuous pumping of gas is required! Once our enthusiasm is diluted in our routine life, sometimes I wonder that what we are doing, where we are going? We fight with each other, abuse our countrymen, our own system which we – ourselves has generated.

The most surprising question is where this unity and enthusiasm goes after couple of days? What if we will be successful to change the system and get the new one which we demand? In very short time, it will also be “unwanted system” for us and again we will get united to protest… and this will go on endlessly being repeated in a loop, like round and round without full stop. If we are really concern about our nation, if we really want to make the change, we need to be the change first; we need to change our minds. Whatever we do, wherever we are, however we live – if we will be pure, transparent and honest in our service with our dedicative efforts in our life, the entire loop mentioned above will come to an end and we will get the freedom in the real sense, which will make our country really shining.

You might feel that I have written one more article like other writers on this occasion…etc. Well, to be honest, I am NOT a writer, neither a public speaker nor any leader. I am just a common man, likewise you all, from you only. By profession, I am a space scientist involved in space research, running a private (non-government) space research organization ‘Aryavarta Space Organization – ASO’ which is an international non-government organization established to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge relating to the Science, Medicine and Technology of Aerospace Sector. I am also giving honorary service in Civil Defence (Ministry of Home Affairs) at Gujarat State (India) as Divisional Warden.

I have just shared my view points with you all with a hope that we will celebrate the INDEPENDENCE DAY together and enjoy the REAL FREEDOM.

Sincere thanks with greetings on the 65th Independence day of Republic of India.

Jai Hind.

- Rushi GHADAWALA