People were audacious enough to ask for freedom in 1947, and today we live and breathe in an independent country. In the 76 years since, the definition of ‘freedom’ has greatly evolved. We celebrate our 77th Independence Day today and the decades in between have opened up a new world, especially for India’s youth. Our young country brims with new ideas, and the country’s youth are looking to break boundaries and live life on their own terms.
My Kolkata spoke to Kolkata’s young population about the freedoms we still don’t have, but desperately need.
Mahima Maniar
For Mahima Maniar, 24, discriminating against people on the basis of their communities is a huge barrier to freedom. “We do not choose the community we are born into, neither do these attributes define an individual’s being. To me, freedom would involve transcending the barriers that do not comfortably fit one’s narrative, and acknowledging people for the essence of their being,” says the content writer.
Namrata Dutta
Namrata Dutta, 24, also highlights how discrimination extends beyond communities. Her biggest gripe is with economic classism. “Take a walk outside, and you will see people with barely enough for two meals a day, while there are others who don’t have enough ways to spend their wealth. A large section of our population struggles to sustain, in the same country where a certain few splurge in luxury,” the doctor observes. Dutta also suggests a balance where those at the top help to uplift others. “If the privileged few help with even a fraction of their wealth, to those who desperately need help, wouldn’t it improve the overall conditions for the better?” she asks.
Kriti Shah
However, privilege doesn’t automatically dissolve all challenges, says Kriti Shah, an artist, art director and illustrator. Perhaps, this is more true for anyone who identifies as a woman. “I am free, independent and privileged in every sense. Yet, I am not free from the societal norms that every woman is expected to follow. I’m expected to keep my head low, not complain too much and just keep living while ‘society’ has every right to morally police, shame and harass me. I will feel free when there’s complete gender equity in the workplace, at home and society in general,” the 24-year-old points out.
Palak Talwar
Palak Talwar, 29, reiterates Shah’s point, adding that she empathises with a lot of the concerns placed by parents on daughters, even if she doesn’t completely agree. “I understand that loved ones don’t mean harm when they subconsciously play on gender-driven biases. They trust us, but not the world.” The designer also highlights that as a woman, her definition of freedom is way different from that of her male counterparts. “I feel the path to freedom can only be paved when you don’t have to constantly worry about basic things like safety and equality. Only then can you focus on things that truly matter.”
Md Abubakar Parvez
A defining factor for today’s youth is the rejection of labels. Md Abubakar Parvez personifies this, and hopes to see a day when he doesn’t have to justify himself. “Not having to explain my existence to others is freedom. The idea of unapologetically being the way I am is freedom. Everyone coexisting, happy in their lives, away from judgement and intrusion is freedom. To exist rightfully, is freedom,” smiles the 23-year-old doctor.
Anuradha Das
Anuradha Das, 22, a final-year law student, has a similar hope. She desires the freedom to choose. “I don't like the illusion of choice, where options are always confined to imaginary boxes created by society or the environment. One must have autonomy over their body, thoughts, speech, career and lifestyle to experience true growth.”
Shaoni Rakshit
While it is liberating to not be questioned for one’s choices, the youth also values the freedom to ask questions from people in power. “For me, the agency to think, question, and critique without fear is the ultimate freedom. As a democracy, that is our biggest right. If our minds are not free, will we ever be?” asks Shaoni Rakshit, 25, a marketing professional.
Sahen Gupta
Sahen Gupta, a 24-year-old psychologist and columnist with My Kolkata, believes that true freedom isn’t just provided through external sources, but internal perspective. “Freedom is accountability. While acting freely, it is important to understand the impact of those actions. It is also essential to know that we are free to do things, but that they will affect us and others. Accepting this, supplements freedom.”
