ARE WE REALLY FREE???????

Freedom!! What do we mean by freedom? Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. According to democracy government is BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, TO THE PEOPLE! But do the actual definition of democracy is implemented in today’s scenario??

We have only got the freedom to breathe. We can’t talk, we can’t demand. It is a very selective democracy.

65^th year of independence but, Are we really free?? This question is actually as complicated to answer as it sounds simple!

Are we free from poverty?

Are we free from child labour?

Are we free from hatred?

Can all the people of india manage to get at least two square meals a day?

Are we free from caste wars?

Are we free from politicians who never put forward the things he will do for the citizens of india, but in turn deceive the other party during elections for their own profit..??

Are we free from corruption, scams and fear??

Are we free from bribes? Even legal and legitimate works are done through bribes!!

Are we free to see the movies on sensitive topics?? They are banned!

Are we free to protect our dignity?

Are we free from biases?

Are we free from stereotypes and superstitions?

Are we free from prejudices?

Are we free from un-explained encounters?

Are we free from custodial deaths?

Are we free from banned internet sites, hacking, and cyber crime?

Are we free from personal incursions?

Are we free from honour killing?

Are we free from fear of being killed anytime with no reason?

Are we free from meaning-less bomb blasts?

Are the women of our nation free enough? Can they walk out at night without fear in our cities and even villages? Can they file a case against their uncle, boyfriend, high profile peoples, commoners or even their father who have molested them?? Can they revert the comments or abusive behaviour of teasers against them without the fear of the acid being thrown on their faces?? Can they wear jeans in the colleges without the fear of being beaten up?

Are the muslims of our nation free? Can they step forward and name and shame hindu-born terrorists like hindus do in the reverse?

Are the minorities of our nation free?

Are the media persons and lawyers of our nation free to write anything, to say anything,to fight a case against any sensitive issue , to say “no, I can’t take this case “to the plaintiff of criminal background and who per se is wrong , without the fear of shot dead anytime???

Are we free from increasing population and illiteracy rates??

Are we free from female infanticide?

The answer is ‘NO’.... we aren’t.

Freedom doesn’t merely means driving the british out and hoisting our flag, freedom means establishing a fear free society, to feel free from inner self , to move ahead with a new self confidence , and without fear facing new challenges with positive attitude towards life and this can’t be done if there will be burning of books , announcement of bharat bandh , burning buses , blocking roads , vandalizing of libraries etc.

We have to transform our india to live a life without fear, without religion wars , and without corruption which is full of liberty , dignity and integrity.

We still have to go far away to attain real ....... FREEDOM , to lead a life worth living.

So that we’ll never ever ask again that ....... ARE WE REALLY FREE????

Arushi Sharan Tiwari

Student

B.A in Media Studies

University of Allahabad