It’s that time of the year again.
When we rally to celebrate our independence.
The hoisted flag flutters high
Inducing in all countryfolk a feeling of pride.
The national anthem is sung everywhere,
And patriotic songs reverberate in the air.
Children and grownups, with golden words, speak
Of freedom fighters who set our country free.
But, while freedom has been bequeathed,
In today’s times, who decides if I am free?
Surely, if the freedom fighters sacrificed,
And, for freedom, gave up their lives,
Then it must be they who decided.
Or then, there is the government
That leads the country from upfront.
So surely, it is decided by them.
But then, there are also the influencers –
The intellectuals and opinion makers.
This decision must surely be theirs.
What about the super-rich businessmen?
The economy thrives because of them.
They must be the ones to decide, then.
How can I not consider the preachers,
Spiritual guides and faith leaders?
Yes, they must be the ones, for sure.
So, in all this glorious confusion
Lies buried the question of my freedom.
And as I ponder over this,
A few more questions come to me.
While freedom has been bequeathed,
Isn’t it I who is free to decide …
Who will lead me?
What will influence me?
Where I will spend my money?
And which path I will take towards the Almighty?
Isn’t it I who is free to decide …
What I can do to contribute
To the growth of my country and people?
Eighty years ago, on this day,
A nation emerged from the darkness of tyranny,
And its people saw the light from freedom’s rays.
So now, it is I who is free to decide
How to keep progressing towards this light.
And, however miniscule this decision may be,
It is mine, because it is I who decide that I am free.
wordsofhope 