Independence is the freedom of the soul, a perception of the mind and a feeling understood by the heart. This freedom, perception and more importantly, this feeling is that of liberation, patriotism and self-dependence. When all such terms are put together and imposed upon the majority, it is a big responsibility on the youth of that nation and on those who create it.
But nowadays freedom or independence means that our lives are shaped by personal priorities rather than external constraints or social pressures. It means we are able to follow our own deepest values and exercise our judgement even when others disagree or disapprove.
To maintain independence, we must recognise our natural human tendency to assimilate, to gradually conform our ideas to those of groups or leaders that we like. Because group dynamics encourage conformity, independence can create situations that are uncomfortable. Though sometimes awkward, the presence of independent thinkers is a gift to all because it keeps a group from falling into shared illusion or error.
To me freedom means to be supported in going down the new and narrow path, to create new ways of living.
At a personal level, I would like to free myself from societal expectations of living my life in a certain way. I want independence from the notion that I have to make a certain amount of money, live in a certain way and participate in the insane idea of growth in order to be considered successful. I define success as living an authentic life, of pursuing what is important to us.
I perceive the definition of independence is the absolute freedom to do what you want, and to not be held back by any rules or laws of government or man but by the rules and laws of nature and your conscience. My view of independence may greatly differ from your beliefs on the definition but in this paper I will try to show exactly what my perspective on the definition of independence is by my experiences, my beliefs, my thoughts and research on the subject at hand.
The only true way to have independence is to make decisions based on you and not based on what society thinks. How can a person be truly independent if they have to do what other people think is the right thing to do? The answer to that question is that they cannot be independent for independence is the ability to do what you want even if it is not what society thinks that it is not the right thing to do. This belief is one of my building blocks for my definition of independence.
So freedom and independence contain both internal and external elements. Society can enable us to obtain freedom by offering a safety net — something that all of us create to support each other.
We can gain independence for ourselves by letting go of normative ideas that force us into certain moulds that do not fit us well. Let’s fight for our right to be free! Freedom gives me the opportunity to be what I am today, an independent citizen of India.
In spite of everything, the country progressed well in all the fields. It is we, the people, who let the country down. Let us rise to make our independence more meaningful. Let us think positive and act positive for the betterment of our country. I love my freedom and cherish it.
True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what’s right.
(Contributed by Simiran Mohapatra. The essay has been adjudged the second best write-up on the topic ‘Independence and freedom’)