Redefining freedom: Perspectives from India’s youth on I-Day

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: As India celebrates another year of freedom, the essence of independence continues to evolve, especially in the eyes of the younger generation.

What does independence mean to them? How do they define freedom in today’s world? News Trail posed these questions to a diverse group of young people, seeking to understand their perspectives on the concept of independence and its relevance in their lives.

Their responses offer a glimpse into the evolving notions of freedom and the aspirations of India’s future leaders.

Right to make decisions

“I have always believed that freedom is an inherent right each of us possesses from birth. However, after getting married, I realised that my belief in basic rights wasn’t as true as I thought. Most married women depend on others for nearly everything. Though we’re told decisions should be mutual, often they are made by husbands or in-laws, and women are expected to accept them without question. So, I question why we celebrate Independence Day when many still struggle for true freedom in our country.”

— Susmitha Krishnan, homemaker/MBA graduate

Walking alone at night

Independence as a girl means having the freedom to pursue my dreams. Society should support girls in achieving their aspirations, and true freedom will come when we stop stereotyping girls. Support from men is crucial, especially for mar- r i e d women. Female-to-female support can drive incredible progress. When men and women work together without stereotypes, the world becomes a better place. Freedom is when a girl can walk the streets without fear, and that sense of safety is still missing today. True freedom lies in achieving that.

— Archita AS, Programmer Analyst

Freedom of expression

India’s Independence Day evokes deep personal reflections for me. While we celebrate our nation’s journey and the sacrifices made for self-rule, I feel a profound pride in our democratic framework. However, I also sense growing unease. In recent years, I’ve observed a widening divide where freedom of expression is increasingly challenged, and dissent often faces hostility. Polarisation and an erosion of trust in democratic institutions are deeply concerning. These celebrations should inspire collective introspection—honouring the past while critically evaluating our present and future to ensure unity and preserve the values that define our nation.

— Andra Filina, Senior Account Executive in PR

Free from pressure and expectations

Freedom, while subjective, is a powerful word for many nations, symbolising the unshackling of oppression. The day a country broke free from its oppressors is celebrated as Independence Day or Swatantrata Divas. In today’s generation, freedom is often seen as the ability to live without the burdens of family, work, or societal norms. It is less about national liberation and more about personal autonomy and the right to live life on one’s own terms, free from external pressures or expectations.

— U V Sriramakrishna, Senior Associate Consultant

Cultural and economic freedom

“Freedom is multifaceted and often comes at the cost of others’ freedoms. In an unequal world, true freedom for everyone is elusive. My personal freedom is tied to the collective rights of those around me, and in a country where we lack the liberty to gather, speak, love, or eat freely, a sense of suffocation persists. Compared to my mother and grandmother, I enjoy more cultural and economic freedom, but Independence Day feels overshadowed by the bloodshed that made it possible. We’re still far from the India envisioned by our leaders.

— Aratrika, PhD scholar

Ability to make choices for oneself

For me, freedom means having the ability to make choices and control one’s own life, free from exploitation, abuse, or oppression. It’s the right to be respected and treated equally without discrimination and to defend oneself from injustice. Unfortunately, for many, including both animals and humans, true freedom remains a distant dream. We not only celebrate human freedom but also advocate for the freedom of animals, who suffer due to speciesism and human greed. It’s essential that our right to peacefully advocate for all forms of freedom be protected, and that such campaigns be seen as vital tools for creating a more just world for everyone

— Bengaluru Brigade for Animal Liberation Team

Life on my own terms

If Subash Chandra Bose had led the way, perhaps we would have gained freedom earlier, but what has become of our freedom today? Despite achieving independence, it led to the painful partition of India and Pakistan. While I am proud of our nation, I believe true freedom means being my own queen—living life on my terms. I want the freedom to dress how I like, work as I choose, and do what I want without constraints. In many ways, I already feel free, but I still question if we’re truly living the freedom we fought so hard to attain.

—Sandhya Umesh Kiran, Homemaker

A continuing journey

None of us are truly free until everyone is free, and in today’s world, even the basic aspects of freedom remain an elusive dream for many. To my parents and grandparents, freedom was intimately tied to the independence they fought for. For me, Independence Day is both a reminder of a painful partition and a reflection of the noble ideals that shaped our nation. It is essential for today’s youth to remember and strive for these ideals, recognising that our journey towards true freedom and equality is ongoing and requires continuous effort and dedication.

—Farhan Gheta, PG Student