Let us get freedom from social evils on this “Independence Day.”

15th August, country will mark it’s 69th independence day. A ceremony of unfurling our national flag followed by national anthem, cultural programs, scripted orations by guests of honour, this is how we have been celebrating our independence day since 1947. India was declared an independent nation on 15th August, 1947 after British rule of two hundred years. Democracy was executed in the country and constitution declared some moral rights and responsibilities for citizens of India. From 1947 to 2015, country saw various stages of development and India has remarkable role in world’s economy and technology. But since independence, our people have been seen more concerned about their moral rights but when it comes to their moral responsibilities or duties, most of the people are unaware of these duties and who are aware of these do not bother to perform it. Even after 68 years of independence, people have not become independent from their fundamentalist thoughts, prejudices, irresponsible and casual approach about constitution of India. We are more concerned about our personal interests but when we are discussed about country’s interest, our approach becomes very casual as if it is not our concern.

We live in a society and we have various responsibilities towards various relations like as a son, parent, sibling, spouse etc. and same responsibilities are there when we are seen as citizen of India. We are born in India and our identity remains as an Indian throughout the life. So there are some duties which are required to be performed as a true Indian. Here I would like to mention some –

Keep our public places clean – As I mention above, our identity always remains as an Indian especially when we meet people from other countries. India? It’s too dirty! – Sign of disgust is seen on face of people. Yes, this is a reality, go to any bus stand, railway station or any public place, you will be welcomed by garbage, filth, stains of spit on walls, floor. Who generates this filth? Where does this garbage come from? You don’t need to find answer in any book the simple answer is – “we.” We clean our homes everyday and round the clock we keep check on cleanliness. But when we go to any public place, our attitude changes, we throw garbage, waste thing, peels anywhere on roads or at public places. There are garbage bins at all public places but those bins remain very clean and unused as those are never used. Spitting pan, guthka is common, every public place is urinal for us despite public toilets at all public places. This is not only done by illiterate people but by educated and prosperous people as well. So dear Indian, please understand this duty and pledge to keep all public place clean as we keep our houses.

Save natural resources – Nature has gifted us various sources for the consumption and we should understand that there is limited quantity of these resources. Water, fuel, electricity are some sources which is generated by nature but due to excess use and misuse of these resources, various parts of the country are facing shortage of these resources. Government makes lots of efforts to avail these resources to us and if we save these resources, there will be less burden on nature and there resources will be used for future needs.

Say no to drugs – Poison of drugs is making our country hollow and vulnerable. Youth are getting involved in consumption in hazardous drugs which is leading big number of people towards unemployment and poverty. Just remember, drugs are poison and end result will be loss of huge financials and death only. Be determined and say a big no drugs and intoxicants.

Women safety – Just think, when was woman safer, in 1947 or in 2015? Eve teasing, rapes, sexual assault and so on, there are lots of sufferings faced by Indian woman being a woman. If a father sees a daughter in his own daughter why it is not seen in other’s daughter? When a brother sees a sister in his own sister why he does not see it in other’s sister? It’s very simple, we will have to make a safe environment for woman so that our sisters, daughters could go out without any threat to their modesty.

Be Indian-Love Indian – Everyone born in this country is equal for constitution irrespective of caste, community, religion of region background. Let us respect each other and get independent from the thoughts which have been in our mind for years. First Indian then Hindu, Muslim, Bengali, Bihari – this should be our identity. Communalism and classism is the biggest barrier in country’s development.

Obey law and eliminate corruption – While driving, we do not follow traffic rules and when stopped by cops, we prefer to pay bribe to avoid getting penalized. Who is corrupt? We violate law and later blame authorities for corruption. It is better to follow law and adhere to authorities. As all problems in the country, corruption is also generated by us and it’s our responsibility to control it. There are some discrepancies in the system but there are changes as well. Be the part of that change and bring the changes in you.

Our freedom fighters persistently made efforts to bring 15th August. Had they sit at their homes and tolerate the excesses of British rule, this day would never have come. They made us to live in independent country and sacrificed their lives to achieve the independence. Now it’s our responsibility to continue this independence and transmit this passion in coming generations. Be nationalist and serve country and get independent from the thoughts which bar development of the country. This independence day let us pledge to make our country shining. The day will not be far when you will introduce yourself as an Indian and response will be – Oh! India, Great country, very nice people there and very beautiful country. …………. Jai Hind.