Dr Asangba Tzudir
India is set to celebrate the 78th Anniversary of her Independence from British rule, however, it happens at a time when nationwide protests have erupted over Kolkata doctor’s rape-murder issue. In a powerful display of solidarity, doctors across India have suspended all non-emergency services in response to the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The shocking incident has ignited widespread outrage, triggering nationwide protests that have severely disrupted healthcare services.
This event itself suggests that all is not well and which begs one to revisit the idea of freedom. Looking back to the pre-independent times, it was one of subjugation and its journey towards the attainment of sovereignty was a difficult one. Post independent era up till now, India has made big strides from technological prowess to space exploration; from becoming an economic powerhouse to a growing stature on the global stage, India has proved its mettle through remarkable strides. However, the contemporary challenges on economic, social, political, religion and geopolitical fronts continue to test India’s resilience in the New World Order.
As another independence day approaches, it should not simply be a day to celebrate history but a day to reflect on the situational context of freedom even as India boasts of being the largest democracy in the world. Questioning the context of freedom, as an Indian citizen, it starts with whether one can we freely express one’s thoughts and opinions without any fear? What about equitable wealth distribution? What about the well-being of farmers that produces enough to feed the entire nation? What about the caste and class divide? What about the condition of many Indians living in poverty not knowing where their next meal will come from or whether they will be lucky enough not to go to bed hungry? What about the religious prejudices against minorities in a land that professes religious freedom? What about the various atrocities and crimes including rape committed on women?
On the aspect of economic freedom, many Indians continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, economic inequalities, and where there is a limit on choices and opportunities. On the Social freedom, there is so much of Casteism, sexism, and communalism and which greatly restricts individual freedoms. On political freedom, the defining of every citizen’s well being is marred by issues of Corruption, electoral manipulation, and restrictions on free speech and expression, and which continues to undermine India’s democratic principles and which finds enshrined in the Constitution. ON the personal freedom, Women, and marginalized groups continues to face discrimination, violence, and there still is limited access to basic education, healthcare, and various other opportunities. On digital freedom, there is so much of censorship and surveillance which comes in the way of online freedom and privacy. Environmental freedom is another pertinent concern where pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation continue to affect citizens' health and well-being, and where urbanization and growing population has led human habitation in places which were once considered not suitable for human habitation. All these greatly limit the freedom to live happily in a healthy environment.
As such, while India has no doubt made significant progress since independence, these aspects highlighted above attest to the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality and liberty. It is essential to acknowledge and address these challenges to ensure that all Indians can enjoy the freedoms as envisaged and laid down in the Constitution. From poverty, inequality, environmental degradation to healthcare disparities, these issues continue to cripple the growth of the society.
However, these are challenges which also serve as an opportunity to rebuild the idea of freedom. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to work collectively towards a more inclusive and sustainable future and where every Indian can truly experience the essence of freedom as envisaged by the Great Rabindranath Tagore towards the progress of our great nation.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
