India’s Unfinished Freedom: 78 Years and the Struggle for True Independence

India's 78th Independence Day is a moment to reflect on our journey as a nation. Yet, beneath the celebrations lies a harsh reality: many Indians still don't feel genuinely independent. The struggles that plague our society—ranging from systemic corruption to the lack of safety for women and children—suggest that the freedom we celebrate is more symbolic than real.

The Mirage of Women's Safety

India's shameful record on women's safety continues to haunt the nation. In recent months, a spate of horrific crimes has highlighted how little has changed since the brutal 2012 Delhi gang rape. The recent rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata sent shockwaves across the country, reminiscent of past horrors that sparked nationwide protests. Despite new laws and fast-track courts, women remain vulnerable, their safety a mere illusion.

In Uttarakhand, the brutal rape and murder of a 33-year-old nurse in broad daylight is another grim reminder that women's lives are constantly at risk. The system's failure to protect them is apparent, as these crimes occur with alarming frequency. The situation is no better in Jharkhand, where a three-year-old girl was raped by her school van driver—a chilling testament to the fact that no place is safe for women and children in India.

This string of atrocities continued in Madhya Pradesh, where a teenage girl was raped and held captive by a man named Danish, with the complicity of her so-called friends. The girl was not just a victim of physical violence, but of the betrayal of trust, a scenario repeated too often across the country. Despite the police's eventual intervention, the trauma inflicted by such acts leaves a permanent scar, highlighting the pervasive danger that women face daily in India.

Education: A System Corrupted

The education sector, supposed to be the bedrock of the nation's future, is mired in corruption and exploitation. In Karnataka, over 8,000 private schools have announced a 'Black Independence Day' protest highlighting the rampant corruption within the state's Education Department. School administrators and teachers are being harassed by government officials, who exploit bureaucratic red tape to demand bribes and delay essential approvals. The failure to address these issues only perpetuates a system where quality education is inaccessible, especially for those needing it most.

The Erosion of Traditional Values

The traditional Indian family structure is under siege. The promotion of lifestyles that conflict with India's cultural values, such as polyandry and polygamy, is gaining traction, often under the guise of progressive ideology. Meanwhile, genuine issues like the rights of natural transgenders and the basic needs of the underprivileged are sidelined. The fabric of our society is being pulled apart by forces that seek to undermine the values that have sustained us for centuries.

The Betrayal of Taxpayers

Indian citizens pay taxes, hoping their contributions will improve infrastructure, safety, and services. Yet, the reality is starkly different. The healthcare system is in shambles, with overworked and underpaid doctors struggling to provide adequate care. Environmental degradation continues unabated, as government policies favour corporate exploitation over the preservation of our natural heritage.

A Nation Divided

Religion and belief, once unifying forces in our diverse society, are now being exploited to sow division and hatred. Instead of fostering understanding and tolerance, there are deliberate attempts to pit communities against each other, often for political gain. This environment of suspicion and animosity only serves to weaken the nation further.

The Call for True Independence

Seventy-eight years after we gained political freedom, the Indian people are still fighting for true independence—independence from corruption, violence, the erosion of our values, and the systemic failures that continue to hold us back. The sacrifices made by our forefathers demand that we strive for an India that upholds the dignity of every citizen, respects its cultural heritage, and provides for the safety and prosperity of all.

Independence Day should not just be a celebration of the past but a rallying cry for the future. The time has come for us to demand the India we deserve—an India where freedom is not just a word but a lived reality for all its people.