What does it mean to be an independent Indian?

Independence is possibly the only state which human beings constantly aspire for. It differs from “freedom” which is defined by the absence of constraints. Independence entails strength – that one can fend for herself, is self-dependent, autonomous, has agency to influence outcomes etc. It is because life itself remains largely unaffected by human influence. We battle this almost deterministic nature of reality by aspiring for positions that provide us independence. Modern economic and political structures attempt to protect us from this uncertainty by establishing certain systems however, they are also subject to nature’s whims. We want freedom from misery, failure, poverty, disease, servitude, weakness and helplessness. At the same time, we want the dynamics which are outside of our direct control to work in our favour – astrology, horoscope etc. We feel the urge to determine outcomes, to shape the matrix of reality like a clay according to our will. When we are told not to do something, that is the only thing we do the next. We want independence.

The profundity of reaching independence reaches crescendo in various religious philosophies and epistemological categories too – moksha according to Hinduism, nirvana according to Buddhism, “redemption” in Christianity and so on. They show a way forward to achieve the ultimate human aspiration i.e., independence.

What does then independence mean for a nation? Is it simply sovereignty or is there something larger, grander and transcendental about being independent? British rule over India was terrible by any yardstick. Then, we wanted independence, struggled and finally clutched it. Subsiding cynicism for a moment, one would realise that Indians today are relatively well-off, have more rights, tolerant, educated and have more opportunities than any point in history. There is still a mountainous job to be done in every area, but these macro achievements should still provide some confidence. Confidence that as a nation, we can collectively improve lives for all of us. We have different identities but being an “Indian” provide that protective cover and feeling that we are a part of something grand.

India is still a very religious society. No matter what religious identity one subscribes to, he/she/they is adherent of something which promises independence. Even if you don’t subscribe to religious values, or do so for any ideology, you would still have a conviction that your beliefs are a positive force for you and the country. I genuinely believe that the soil of India is sacred, that we will inevitably do something which is better for ourselves and others. No wonder we have sustained the democratic system despite repeated schemes to subvert it.

Nationalism is considered to be a divisive social construct but Indian nationalism proves how a country can be founded on the sentiment that acknowledge various paths to achieve independence. You have the “freedom” to pick your own path to achieve independence and strive for it. That is the meaning of being an Indian – a truly sacred one. We need to ensure that our democracy is aimed for achieving and sustaining the same.