The Ministry of Defence stated on X that this Independence Day 2025, India will be heralding distinguished individuals whose dedication and contributions have brought pride to India. “Among them, Mr. Obili Kumar from Andhra Pradesh has been invited as a Special Guest at the Red Fort. On this momentous occasion, let us listen to his thoughts and sentiments,” he wrote.

The spirited preparations for Independence Day reflect both collective pride and a pressing need for self-reflection. Amid the rhapsodic melodies of "Jana Gana Mana" and “Har Ghar Tiranga”, ringing everywhere, some ask: What is the true nature of the freedom we commemorate, and how can India realize this fully?

On listing our expectations, do we want to see a richer India, more impactful? More peaceful? Some might say, “We want One India.” Oneness is excellent, but what does it mean, and how do we achieve it?  Can Oneness be achieved without diversity or with it?

The heart of freedom is to liberate every person from the bonds of fear, oppression, and poverty. While we are wrapped up in flags. rituals, songs, and salutes, can we measure the level to which we are truly functioning freely?  People need freedom to learn, grow,  discover, and find their wings to fly in unexplored zones.

Despite progress and relative freedom, India's current freedoms are challenged by restrictions—arrests, censorship, bouts of violence, and suppression of expression. These realities force us to confront whether the freedom we celebrate meets our ideals or remains compromised by ongoing limitations.

The Nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu, freedom fighter, writer, and poet, penned down a potent formula for freedom:  "We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech, and earnestness in action."

All three points laid down by Sarojini Naidu reveal the secret to achieving the highest level of freedom:

Deeper Sincereity of Motive: When our motives are pure and sincere, our intentions become as evident as a sparkling waterfall and a clear, silvery stream where the intent, the bottom, is seen, with no haziness or clouds. If the people of the country feel secure, they will be true to themselves and others. Their word is their honour. Dishonesty, lies, and corruption breed when motives are unclear and cloudy. In an atmosphere of good, sincere motives, integrity, empowerment to take ownership of actions, and responsibility take precedence. People are more motivated to work sincerely when they know they will justly be rewarded for their sincerity, and not exploited.  Corruption and exploitation are rampant when sincerity is dead. Sarojini Naidu touched a deep vein when she emphasized the sincerity of motive. With impure motives, the level of trust falls, and in this climate, people build walls to protect themselves, and thus can never truly be free.

Greater Courage in Speech:  One of the greatest forces in the world is the freedom of expression. Some of the great outcomes of this freedom are: It promotes critical thinking, debates, and open discussions. It provides a way to improve because only through different points of view can one arrive at a higher plateau.  Courageous speech nurtures positive change, authenticity, creativity, and protectiveness, which makes the weaker feel safer, and builds a more vibrant and diverse society. Harnessing speech only leads to a crippled society that will never find its full potential. who utters "Yes Sir' through chattering teeth, never having the courage to express new ideas . Even countries that once ruled as dictatorships discovered that freedom and liberty built healthier citizens, and thus, they have loosened their grip over the people, allowing them to express themselves.

Earnestness in Action: Earnestness in action is closely linked to freedom, particularly in the context of India's struggle for independence. Earnestness in action represents authenticity to build values and principles, and conviction in earnestness to work towards their goals, fortified by  values and principles.  Earnest action is driven by strong conviction, enabling individuals to work tirelessly towards their goals, even in the face of adversity and even when the boss is not looking, involving selflessness, where individuals prioritize the greater good over personal interests, leading to positive change.

While India is  celebrating Independence Day all over, we have to introspect on what we want from India. Do we want a society with angry eruptions, fear, and restrictions, or do we want hope, harmony, health, life, and prosperity?

Freedom is rhythmed in the pattern of the Universe, not fear.  This is a pure journey of liberty and independence honouring people from all colors, religions, castes, tribes, and sects equally.

The British first visited Indian shores on August 24, 1608, and captured India, ruling with an iron hand from 1757 to 1947. Today, when Indians are free, the temperature of expectations are for something greater, not lesser.

India should never celebrate a false freedom, knowing it is still in chains - with just new masters.  Did India get free from the British Raj to be put in iron clamps by a new master? Do we want to see India charred by the raging fires of hate and fear?

On reiterating Sarojini Naidu’s timeless words: "We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech, and earnestness in action,” if we truly follow her formula, we will surely pave the  path for a greater Naya Bhahat where larks soar highest in the skies, relishing in a freshly founded freedom, needed as much as the oxygen that we breathe in.  The Oneness we seek is harmony.  Like the different parts of the body, all have a different role, a different shape, and function, but together, they make a beautiful Oneness and wholeness, but without diversity, Oneness is not possible - this is the Law of the Universe which brings true freedom. 

Happy Independence Day!