The day of our Independence was spent reasonably well, watching movies like Gandhi, Mountabatten - The Last Viceroy of India, Rang De Basanti, and listening to songs that echoed throughout the residential complex. The nasha just couldn't get enough and the heroics of freedom struggle kept resonating in my mind. It was certainly a constructive effort of all, who at that time fought for independence through their own means; everything looked justidied. However, as always it has been, Gandhiji still creates a lasting impression on my mind for the ways he adopted to get us freedom.
A compassionate being who, even at the peak of freedom struggle and amidst the conflicts of the national leaders then, firmly believed that "the British have stayed with us for long, we should part with them in a friendly manner with a smile", and hence denounced any kind of violence. His ideologies of non-cooperation and non-violence through the "Dandi March" and the "Quit India Movement", can be said to have triumphantly brought independence to us.
There are many who think that Gandhiji's principles were irrational and that he was the reason for partition, and that non-violence is a sign of spinelessness. However, for a moment, assume that, had we got our freedom through violence, bloodshed, and hatred; things would have been different today. Our beliefs in reaching the goal and achieveing what we want through fights and carnage would have become staunch - "fight for what you want and then kill if you don't get it". Had that been so, our nation today would have looked like the African countries and Afghanistan with even small children running around with guns and grenades instead of toys and cricket bats.
Somewhere, the Gandhian thought does leave a deep mark, if we rationally try to look at the happenings during our independence. Forget looking at God, or reading the Gita or Quran or the Bible. A sensible understanding about Gandhiji's view point will itself make one a peaceful human being, adept enough to choose between right and wrong.
Such was the greatness of that man, and we shall always remain grateful to that soul.
A compassionate being who, even at the peak of freedom struggle and amidst the conflicts of the national leaders then, firmly believed that "the British have stayed with us for long, we should part with them in a friendly manner with a smile", and hence denounced any kind of violence. His ideologies of non-cooperation and non-violence through the "Dandi March" and the "Quit India Movement", can be said to have triumphantly brought independence to us.
There are many who think that Gandhiji's principles were irrational and that he was the reason for partition, and that non-violence is a sign of spinelessness. However, for a moment, assume that, had we got our freedom through violence, bloodshed, and hatred; things would have been different today. Our beliefs in reaching the goal and achieveing what we want through fights and carnage would have become staunch - "fight for what you want and then kill if you don't get it". Had that been so, our nation today would have looked like the African countries and Afghanistan with even small children running around with guns and grenades instead of toys and cricket bats.
Somewhere, the Gandhian thought does leave a deep mark, if we rationally try to look at the happenings during our independence. Forget looking at God, or reading the Gita or Quran or the Bible. A sensible understanding about Gandhiji's view point will itself make one a peaceful human being, adept enough to choose between right and wrong.
Such was the greatness of that man, and we shall always remain grateful to that soul.
However, amidst such greatness, you sometimes need to taste the dust of regret and shame. For many, the freedom has come for free, and hence mostly, is taken for granted.
The CWG, mining scam, IPL frauds weren't enough, when one of our political leader made me fall flat on my face. The leaders who say, "we fight for the benefit of the nation", despite being in the opposition or in power, shamefully exhibit their knowledge about the same very country.
While rejoicing the movies and the songs, I happened to check my email and found this in my inbox.
Hareshwar Patil and gang, sadly do not know the difference between "Independence Day" and "Republic Day". And that too in the constituency of our dear (pun intended) Sanjay Nirupam, who ferociously brags on television channels about how he is so considerate about our nation. Which nation? May be a nation whose Republic Day coincides with our Independence Day.
And we shall always remain regretful to such souls.
The CWG, mining scam, IPL frauds weren't enough, when one of our political leader made me fall flat on my face. The leaders who say, "we fight for the benefit of the nation", despite being in the opposition or in power, shamefully exhibit their knowledge about the same very country.
While rejoicing the movies and the songs, I happened to check my email and found this in my inbox.
Hareshwar Patil and gang, sadly do not know the difference between "Independence Day" and "Republic Day". And that too in the constituency of our dear (pun intended) Sanjay Nirupam, who ferociously brags on television channels about how he is so considerate about our nation. Which nation? May be a nation whose Republic Day coincides with our Independence Day.
And we shall always remain regretful to such souls.
- Amol Redij
Categories:
Amol Redij,
Gandhiji,
India,
Indian Independence,
Indian Politics,
Political Leaders,
Politics,
Republic Day
