Independence or In Dependence

Today if I raise a question to myself: Am I happy on having a day, titled as 'Independence'? No, definitely not! It may sound a little strange. But why? Why should we celebrate this day? Simply because on 15th August, the Britishers left our India...! They left for us to make our government and rule. And that's it? What does the word independence mean? If I am not wrong, it means the state of being independent or the freedom from being dependent. By the way, are we really independent today to celebrate this day proudly and happily? I think it is simply a whirlpool. We all are dependent still. Dependent on our honourable, courageous and powerful 'Military Forces'. Yes! And no matter what, this dependence cannot be declared as independence!

If I forget about being so literal with the title, it still doesn't satisfy. If I am told to consider this independence as freedom, I do believe it is the same for all. Same for every Indian. Then what about the military people? Aren't they Indian or they don't have rights to freedom? I am talking about that freedom of being selfish, that freedom of simply not to care, that freedom to question why me, that freedom to accept the worse, that freedom to leave your country and that freedom to live only for yourself...!

I seriously don't get it, from where such devotion for the country has moved them only? Because they are the ones who choose to die for us, who choose to live, not for their mother but for our mother land, who choose to dedicate their births for the country. And for this, I firmly believe; India will be independent that day when they will be independent. When the term independence does make sense to them, when their dreams won't be wrapped in usual silent screams, when their children won't hesitate to be the next and when the gone ones will come back their homes!

Whenever I hear the sad news of a soldier's death, it leads me to brooding after my invisible tears. I wonder how those bazillion prayers were left unheard, how those then meaningful relations now seem unrealistic, how those questions go unanswered forever! I find myself helpless as lone and in that eternal uncertainty, I am left with a query: Is it the changed people that have changed the conditions or is it the changed conditions that have changed the people...?

Notwithstanding, questions may differ alongwith the answers but in today's scenario the truth is one & one only: Let us heartily salute our soldiers who not only best coin the term independence, but also impart us an opportunity to celebrate Independence Day.
Jai Jawan.