What Is Freedom

Celebrating our country's freedom should go beyond just rituals…

- Vasan S S

The apartment where I reside had outsourced the August 15 , Independence Day celebrations for the year 2017 to an event management company. During the event, the host asked a question to all the residents - what does freedom mean to them? Each of them gave their interpretation of freedom. I too got my turn to voice my opinion. Given below is the gist of my opinion on freedom.

Freedom, as I view it, is 'a responsibility'. A soldier has the freedom to possess a gun unlike other citizens. The media has the freedom to use their pen. A child may have the freedom to use any electronic gadget of his or her choice. All these freedoms, if not exercised responsibly, will soon cease to exist. For instance, a soldier pulling the trigger at his will would end up being court marshalled; when a child uses his electronic gadgets even during the days when he has exams will soon learn to be without them as his parents, in the interest of the child, would withdraw the freedom of possessing an electronic gadget. Similarly, we as Indians believe freedom means the right to enjoy. We are more conscious of our rights and less conscious of our duties. Ironically, unless we are duty conscious and more aware of what is happening around us, I am afraid we may lose the freedom which we gained after so many years of struggle.