72 years of Independence 

दे सलामी इस तिरंगे को जिस से तेरी शान है,
सिर हमेशा ऊंचा रखना इसका जब तक दिल में जान है।
“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance” – Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru
With these words of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, India got independence at the stroke of midnight hour on 15th August, 1947 and India became independent of British rule.The 200-year long colonialism finally came to an end.
Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, we also celebrate the rich Indian culture and tradition.This year will mark our 72nd Independence Day. It is celebrated with much fervour across the country and reminds us of the freedom struggle that was a hard-fought battle. It is the day to pledge and to protect the unity and integrity of our country.
As we trace the developments and look at them from a bigger perspective, we come to know that after 72 years of independence India has made a mixed progress. It is one of the fastest growing economies of Asia. However, on the other hand, it has lagged behind in some areas. The mushrooming rape crimes, women security issues, poverty and rising unemployment is the biggest threat to our country’s independence. After 72 years of Independence, the question arises, “Are we independent in the true sense?”
We are not independent in the real sense. Even after 72 years of independence, India is facing a rape crisis.According to NCRB data, 2016 India witnesses 106 rapes per day and 4 in 10 victims are minor. The most no. of rape cases happen in the capital of the country.
In today’s society where a good number of individuals are educated and broad minded, and still if women are facing such issues, hurdles and harassments then, we as responsible citizens need to look into it and change our thinking. Only after that will we be able to become truly independent. Independent from the bondages of society and crime.
As India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day, we also need to address issues such as poverty & unemployment. These two problems have become a big obstacle which is preventing us from attaining total independence.
Hunger, poverty, illiteracy, crimes, unemployment are those pests which have hindered the freedom and development of our country for so long. It’s high time that we, as responsible citizens take a stand on these issues, and work towards uprooting these completely. Only then we’ll be able to attain true independence. All of us put a WhatsApp and Facebook status wishing Independence Day, but how many of us know the real meaning? There’s a need to broaden our minds and perspectives. This will bring about a true change and that change would lead us to true Independence. It would be the day when a woman will no more think about society before choosing her outfit, a girl who will no more have to look at her watch before stepping out of her home, a graduate who’ll be placed and a child who will be provided a shelter, nutritious food, and good quality education.
With this, we wish you a very Happy Independence Day. Let the tricolour fly high. Make it proud. Jai Hind !
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She is a blogger, pursuing Political Science Honours at Indraprastha College for Women. She is an avid debater & loves to write. She believes in the power of Karma "Everything you do, comes back to you"

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