"A Cry for True Freedom: Are We Really Free?"

As our nation prepares to celebrate 78th Independence Day on August 15th, my heart is heavy with sorrow and rage. We boast of freedom, of the sacrifices made by countless brave souls to secure our rights and dignity. But as a woman, I am forced to ask—are we truly free?

On August 9, 2024, a young doctor was reportedly raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a place meant to heal, not harm. The post-mortem report reveals evidence of multiple penetrations and injuries to various parts of her body. Her life was brutally taken away, her body violated in the most horrific way possible. This is not just a crime; it is an atrocity that tears at the very fabric of our society.

The alleged culprit, a man who should have never had the power to inflict such pain, has shattered countless lives, not just the victim's but also her family, friends, and every woman who hears her story. How can we celebrate freedom when this is the reality we face? How can we call ourselves a free country when our daughters, sisters, and mothers are not safe in their homes, their workplaces, and

their own bodies?

We speak of progress, of a modern India, yet we are haunted by the same barbaric acts that have plagued us for centuries. Where is the freedom in that? The freedom to live without fear, to walk without looking over our shoulders, to exist without the threat of violence—these are not luxuries, they are basic rights that remain out of reach for so many women in our country.

Let us not forget that 50% of India’s population is women. If we want to see true progress, these 50% must be able to step forward without fear, to contribute their talents, skills, and dreams to the nation’s growth. If half of India is living in fear, then half of India is not safe. How can a nation truly progress when half of its potential is chained by fear?

On this Independence Day, I urge everyone to stop and reflect. What does freedom truly mean if half of our population lives in constant fear? Is it just a word, a day on the calendar, or is it something we have yet to truly achieve? We must demand more than just empty promises. We must demand justice, action, and above all, safety for every woman in this nation.

Until then, how can we, as women, celebrate Independence Day? How can we say we are free when our lives are still shackled by fear and violence? This is not freedom; this is a cry for help.

We won our freedom from the British, but we are not yet free from the evil within us. Even after 78 years of independence, for women, it feels like nothing has changed. The oppressors may no longer be British, but the monsters are still here, threatening our peace and freedom every day.

As a woman, I am still in shock. I can’t get over this news, and I can’t even begin to imagine the horror she went through. If you care about the safety of your daughters, your sisters, and every woman in this country, we need to act now. We can't wait for the government to take action. We need to unite as one nation, one voice, and demand change.

So I leave you with this question: Can we truly call ourselves free if half of our population is living in fear?

Jai Hind!