Independence

Purnima, one of my friends, purchased a beautiful cage with a wonderful small bird clad in bright blue feathers.  I liked the bird.  Next, I visited her house to meet the bird and felt as if it was upset.  This blue piece of sky was imprisoned in a golden cage and had lost its independence? The bird is a symbol of freedom. 

I started thinking about myself, whether I would like such life, not only me but nobody would prefer this.

Independence can be experienced at multiple levels in life.  In family relations, in choosing one's academic career, economic activity, in social relations, in religion, in culture and so on. All these things also put a restriction on the personality and expression of an individual. So everybody has to find a compromising line between these two.

They say one gets the freedom he deserves.

With a choice or choicelessly one lives his life in the given frame.  He carries out his responsibilities’ and activities at home and outside the home.  Beyond this, every person has some spare time,  which I feel is a golden space. One can pursue his hobbies or favorite activities at this time.  One can sleep, chitchat, watch T.V. and so on.  I feel utilization of this space determines the quality of life and also molds personality of a person.  I think every person should have freedom or independent to utilize this golden space to bring fullness to his life.  One can learn more skills, can take up research work in what he is doing, can earn, can do free service [for humanity, etc.] 

I am fortunate to avail of this space and pursue my hobbies. This essay is also an outcome of my hobby of writing. 

Purnima and I set the tiny piece of sky free.

By

Bharati Garud

Bangalore, India

What does independence mean to you?

What does Independence mean to you as an individual or as a society? As India celebrated its 74th independence.

As an individual for me " True Independence and freedom can only exist in doing what's right. From the beginning, I always believe in this. One should not do things or try to be happy or compromising for others. Because Independence can come only with freedom. It's our life and we should lead it as per our terms but keeping in mind that people around us are not getting hurt. When you do right there is no chance of lying to anybody or to be answerable for others nor to hurt others feelings.

Crystal clear thinking which makes life more easy and hassle-free. It helps us to maintain a healthy relationship with everybody around us. At the end of the day, you feel happy realizing that I had a nice lovely day in keeping people happy whomever who came in contact with me. 

I just admire this wonderful quote by Albert Einstein:- "Everything that is really great and inspiring  is created by an individual who can labor in freedom."

Now living in a society how one can expect independence and freedom. This is still a myth. According to me the most unpardonable sin in our society is Independence of thought.  People have stuck to some old ideology and misconceptions so much that they don't believe in freedom of thought. As far as I know "society values cooperation over Independence, obedience over individuality and niceness above all else".

To keep pleasing people all the time. Think and act according to others wish.  Even after attaining Independence for the last 74 years, we are taking tortoise steps in the opening overviews and thoughts. Once someone raises their voice of freedom, equality, and Independency. Society, community, people around you will start becoming judgemental to you.

Though one has become aware of his thoughts views and ideologies it is getting refrain because of few people in society who thinks being Independent in ones own thoughts, actions is a myth. We can't change people's mindset and thinking. But one who is in knowledge is always free from of all this.  Nothing can avoid them in doing what is right.

It is believed that - "If we don't get rid of yesterday by talking about it all the time, at least we can get rid of its effects by moving forward". And try educating people with freedom of thought liberating from old ideologies which are wrong. Encouraging them to look inwards, they will be able to see what they want is real Independence. 

By

Tejaswini Sikka

Bangalore, India