India of their dreams

Sheetal

Advertisement

As we enter the 78th year of India’s independence, celebrities reflect upon what they love about free India and in what spheres they believe there’s scope for improvement. Read on.

Women safety

Ihana Dhillon

India’s sustained democratic freedom, surplus economy and remarkable progress in education as well as healthcare sectors are something to be proud of. I have number of wishes, but being a women my heart aches when I hear any news of rape or acid attack on women. Women should be made to feel safe and respected.

Spread love, not hate

Ammy Virk

To be a citizen of a country that abides by democratic ways and believes in decentralisation of power is something I am proud of as an Indian. As for improvement, I wish that people become more empathetic. Lately, people are growing too sensitive about issues. We as a society preach good things, but the same people resort to spreading hate and trolls on the internet. To become better as a country, we should learn to rise above our differences.

Equitable society

Abhilash Thapliyal

I believe we are a democracy in its truest sense. Unlike some of the crumbling democracies in our neighbourhood, we are still going strong. I hope we can uphold the ideals of freedom and sovereignty that make us the largest democracy in the world. A more equitable society where people who don’t have the means also have equal access to resources, such as education and healthcare, should be the goal. I also wish for an India where people are more humane and empathetic to the suffering of others. While growing up, it was always about the two laddoos that we used to get in school on Independence Day. As an adult though, I understand how these celebrations help evoke a sense of pride in our country and remind us of everything that we should be grateful of as Indians.

Know the difference

Jasbir Jassi

When you think of Independence Day, it really makes you feel great as to how our ancestors fought for autonomy. But people today do not really know the right meaning of freedom. Incidents of rape, robbery, murders and honour killing point at how law is taken for granted by miscreants. Similarly, in the name freedom of expression, everybody is entitled to voice their opinion. It doesn’t matter however uninformed or stupid it is! In one line I would say, ‘Bolan di azaadi e, maanan di azaadi e, bhonkan te kattan di azaadi nhi e.’

India is the best

Kartar Cheema

I have visited many foreign countries, such as the US, UK, Australia and Canada, but I feel that as Indians we enjoy the most freedom. Be it freedom of expression, right to equality or right to protest, it’s better practiced in India than any other country in my opinion. India has the most number of religion, tribes, languages, and races, but yet each lives in harmony. Having said that, we need dynamic political leaders, better education and health facilities. The final thought is to never misuse the power of independence, and be responsible towards public and government property as well as infrastructure.

Responsible citizens

KP Singh

Independence Day serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom, and I love the day for the very fact. It’s important to remember those who fought for our rights and recognised the value of unity and diversity in our nation. In many ways, to make India an unmatchable country in the world, the need is for every inhabitant to reflect on their individual responsibilities as citizens.