MY FREEDOM, MY CHOICE...

Embracing freedom on Independence Day

Freedom is the first thing we think about on the morning of Independence Day. After 71 years, we all have come a long way in terms of living a free and independent life in our own country. We all are so used to living the free lives that we often tend to forget to value what we have today. Often, what we get easily is underrated.

On the occasion of Independence Day today, we ask city youngsters about the

freedom

they value and cherish the most today. And the answers we got are quite interesting. Read on to find out what the millennials feel about freedom...


In the population reaching to hundred crores, there are different choices and preferences, for everyone. For Vani Rao, a professional singer, the freedom to speak her heart out through music is the most important one. “Freedom to practice and choose music as my career is the biggest blessing that I could ever get in my life. We come from such a nation which is extremely rich in cultural and artistic diversity possessing a huge number of diamond artists. But at the same time its the same nation where a large number of extremely talented and extraordinary artists get suppressed either under the orthodox societal mindset or by their nonsupportive family members. I have been blessed enough to pursue my career in music and this is what I value the most” It has been a hot discussion over the past few years to let the youth do what they want and giving them the freedom to choose what they want is one of the highly prioritised freedom. For Aarohi Munshi, a Bharatnatyam dancer, freedom to be a part of the creative community is most important. “For artistes, it’s always putting their imagination into use, to show their talent to the world, being a proud artistes, freedom to be creative helps me grow better and enhance my skills.”

VALUING THE FREEDOM TO MAKE CHOICES

We all want to take our own decisions and make choices of what we want. It is perhaps one of the true essences of freedom, to make choices. Be it choosing your career, life partner, or religion, it gives you the power to live your life the way you want “Freedom to make my own decisions in every phase of my life has been something that I value the most because it gives me confidence and makes me responsible for my own life. Also, when I make decisions for myself, they make me want to work on them more, it has helped me lead an independent life,” shares Sourabh Anant, a theatre artiste.

TO EXPRESS MYSELF FREELY

Even after freedom of expression is granted by our Constitution, not all are fortunate enough to express themselves freely today. City-based photographer Lareb Ahmed thinks he is blessed enough to be able to express himself freely through his photography. As a result of his profession, he believes in expressing and letting the world know about his likes, and dislikes. “Photography is all about expressions and to be able to express my thoughts to the world without any fear and control helps me develop my skills professionally.”

FREEDOM TO PRESERVE THE IDENTITY

Anubhuti Beohar, a city-based designer, “What I value the most is the freedom of individuality. The biggest democracy of the world —India is a land of diversity in culture, language, religion, and climatic conditions. Living in a country with so many disparities yet to be able to have one’s identity and individual rights is what I value the most. The acceptance for everyone and the idea of taking all together is what sets me free. To be able to choose from all ideologies available and to be able to express freely is my anthem for freedom. I am blessed to be a part of such a culture which does not have a set parameter.”