If you had to give one life-changing tip, what would it be?
The content discusses the significance of freedom in India, tracing its historical context and the ongoing struggles for it. The recent youth protests reveal discontent with government failures, yet they also highlight issues of chaos and obscenity during demonstrations. The piece stresses that true freedom demands responsibility and respect for social harmony, emphasising the sacrifices made for independence. It critically assesses the role of youth as a potential force for change, urging them to uphold ethical values and engage constructively, all while recognising the importance of peaceful protest within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article discusses the significance of freedom in India, highlighting historical struggles and current youth protests.
- It criticises the chaos and obscenity observed during some protests, urging youth to engage responsibly.
- The piece emphasises that true freedom demands respect for social harmony and upholding ethical values.
- It explores the history of slavery and the hard-earned freedom of India, celebrating independence.
- Finally, it questions the direction of current youth activism, stressing the importance of peaceful protest and civic responsibility.
The protest
They were yelling, abusing, and scathing over an ostensible problem related to youths. It didn’t stop here. They, especially teenage girls, were howling and calling names, circulating obscene memes and reels on social media platforms. The group of youths was protesting against the failure of the government on the matter of an entrance examination due to the leakage of the paper. Though the re-examination was conducted and subsequently the results declared without much time and loss to students. They had the right of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of India; it was their right.
Freedom
Among several cherished things in an individual’s life, one is freedom. Liberty allows creativity and causes bliss. It is intrinsic to most animal groups that have a brain. Lower animal groups and their freedom differ in degree, but caging them causes discomfort; they try to escape the cage. Small fish, for example, golden fish kept in an aquarium, feel free in their environment. It can’t see beyond the water, which is its life and helps it in its free swimming. Nonetheless, the small space and large size are discomforting, which leads to longing for freedom and struggle. The importance of feeling free is subjective. The feeling of a person kept in a dungeon under the most severe conditions for a long time can express it well.
Humans and freedom
It is equally true in humans; rather, it is intense in them because of their superiority among all animals. The highly developed brain and capabilities of speech and thought, blended with complex emotions, make humans feel it more than animals. A caged tiger longs to become free, though it cannot express helplessness because of its speech deprivation. Sometimes it moans, indicating its helplessness. It is equally important to know the value of freedom, a valuable asset and an effective tool of expression.
Slavery
As humans grew and evolved, their requirements increased exponentially. They needed help to ease their work and also to work for them. Animals came in handy. Domestication became popular. Bovine animals widely used for supplementing food and work. In addition to them, horses, elephants, camels and goats, et cetera, were also widely used. It did not stop here. People began enslaving humans, selling and purchasing them like a commodity in the open market. The inhuman tradition was in currency in Rome. Later, in December 1865, slavery abolished through the ratification of the 13th Amendment in the USA.
India
As a country, India has experienced and suffered from slavery for long. Centuries of calm and salubrious environment, deep philosophical thoughts, science and mathematics, health care and surgery were enslaved. The valuable treatise, books, libraries and universities consigned to flames; temples desecrated and replaced by other places of worship; statues of deities beheaded. The faith of natives trampled to impose foreign culture and traditions. The excessive pressure created by invaders was bound to burst, and it did.
Hard-earned freedom
People rose and raised their voices for liberty from foreign rule. The great souls sacrificed their lives and ended up in Cellular Jail in Andaman, facing severe mental and physical torture. The invaders had no sympathy with the natives, except for looting their wealth, which could only be possible by breaking their spirit. It snatched the self-respect and dignity of natives; their food, dress, language, culture and traditions pooh-poohed. They were aliens on their own soil.
Liberty is Invaluable
Freedom is invaluable. India earned it by toil, strife and persistent struggle. The joy of freedom was palpable in India when, in August 1947, hundreds and thousands of people congregated to celebrate their hard-earned freedom. There was euphoria all around. Feeling the pain and agony of the displaced, having empathy with uprooted and displaced people from their soil, devoid of their belongings, family and motherland, people celebrated the freedom.
Learning from the past
The disparity and poverty were the insignia of monarchy in countries other than India too. It led to great revolutions across the world. Poverty and hunger, the burden of high taxes, and unbalanced accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few caused resentment, leading to the French Revolution. The disparity, poverty and hunger were the prime movers of revolutions in several other countries, especially in the USSR. Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov “Lenin” emerged as a powerful leader of the Bolshevik revolution in the USSR.
Celebrating Liberty: Independence Day
More than seven decades later, when the country would celebrate its 80th Independence Day, it would also be completing its 79th full year of freedom; it is rightful to ask if India respects its freedom. Freedom doesn’t entail anarchy. Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but does it permit demeaning, abuse, and scathe without rhyme and reason, creating obnoxious content and raising anti-national slogans? Absolutely not. Certain duties are also imperative with freedom. Criminal or anti-national activities that harm the unity and social harmony are a strict no. Similarly, obscenity and vulgarity must also be treated superciliously. It is unacceptable in a civilised society where relationships and family are given top priority. Quislings have always been treated with disdain; even the character of Vibhishan of the epic Ramayana is considered inappropriate.
Serious questions
Recently concluded agitation ostensibly by the young generation, under the banner of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, raises serious questions about the direction of the country. The whole world and the country saw whatever displayed at the protest site. Elders can’t sit quietly without asking questions about the abuse and obscenity shown at the protest site. The way organisers of the protest and their political patrons are defending their acts raises even more serious questions. It is equally important to state that a handful of brats do not represent the whole young generation, known as Gen Z. Baring a handful, all are youths are hardworking, intelligent and sensible, responsible and careful, who exhibit exceptional outstanding calibre in every field. Eulogies to the youths who are contributing a lot to nation building. (Philosophy.Institute)
Justice and liberty
Indian Constitution, completed in two years, eleven months, and eighteen days, implemented on 26 January 1950, is an exhaustive document. Currently, it contains 448 Articles and 12 Schedules. It emphasises equality, fraternity, justice and liberty. Constitution expresses the desire of “We the people of India”, who have solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular democratic republic.
Peaceful protest
With such great values, the Constitution ensures freedom of expression as a fundamental right, encapsulating the right of protest. Expressing displeasure, pointing out shortcomings and protesting against the wrong actions of the government are the rights of people. This right is for peaceful protest, not for creating mayhem and anarchy, mishandling the security personnel and creating a ruckus. Maintaining public order is the responsibility of the state. It can’t be a mute spectator and let a frenzied crowd go berserk.
Pillars of democracy
The three pillars of democracy, namely the legislative, judiciary, and executive, work in tandem to ensure smooth functioning. There is yet another column, the fourth column or the press and media, that acts as a watchdog. Their job is to point out the flaws and put forth the best idea for the betterment of society dispassionately. With each passing day, people are omitting the value and ethos of the country, and the result is an anarchic situation and miasma of confusion. Liberty brings responsibility, and everyone must see to it that it is not misused.
Youths
Distracted and misguided youths abused and created a standoff leading to an unpalatable situation and violence. The brewing indignation over government policies is genuine and must be expressed. Protest is an effective way, but care must also be taken not to disrupt public order and lead to a situation of lawlessness. Liberty was misused by selfish elements who sneaked stealthily into the protest and gave it an ugly, violent turn.
Future of the country
Youths are the future of the country and hope of society. They are the pride of their family and a big support. Their voices are important. During any adverse condition, they come forward and lead, if need be. The past movements like the JP movement (1974) and Anna Hazare (2011) testify to it. There is no denial of their potential and efficiency. Their tremendous energy creates wonder. Their start-ups are a major contribution to the economic growth of the country. From space to defence and the scientific field to deep thinking. They are focused and can’t be distracted.
Liberty and Legacy
The recent happenings raise a big question about the legacy. Why did a section of youth become distracted and go against all norms of ethics, and who misguided them for their parochial gains? Why the opposition parties did not say a word against the mishappenings at and around the protest site is a big question. Every citizen is free but duty-bound. Those who enjoy constitutional immunity and are in opposition are also citizens first. They bear a bigger responsibility. Similarly, a section of the press did not act sensibly for their parochial gains.
Gentle caress
While elders are the past with a wealth of experience, youths are present. They are the force that can change the future. Understanding the value of hard-earned freedom is crucially important. The rapid, insidious creeping of cupidity and greed for power and wealth is making society and youth vulnerable to distraction. Fast-losing values have to be restored, and the youth need a gentle caress.
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
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