Is the present Indian student population cognizant of the Indian freedom movement? Or Is freedom taken for granted by them?
Something compelled me to present this article on October 2nd.
Permit me to remind you of India’s great freedom struggle, which culminated in the brave and noble sacrifice of lakhs of previous generations. Today’s liberty is a result of every drop of their blood. Around 90 years of protracted conflict from 1857 to 1947 and a series of historic events brought an end to the British Empire’s cruel rule in India. Gandhi’s policy of non-violence, civil disobedience, the non-cooperation movement, the Salt Satyagraha, the Dandi-march, and several other campaigns, such as the QuitIndia movement, were the driving forces behind the historic movements. Thousands of people, including Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and others, sacrificed their lives for our liberty .
Though it pains me to make such an admission, I believe it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. As an educator, I’ve noticed a decline in students’ adequate awareness and value of the Indian independence movement as I observe them year after year. It needs to be authentically tested on a large scale. Personally, I believe it is extremely concerning.
What could be the reason?
Educational institutions may bear some of the blame. Why do I say this?
They are not taking adequate responsibility for instilling the importance of the freedom movement in their children. Consider history lessons as a means of regurgitating information for the examination, not as a means of comprehending life. They are not reserving August 15th, January 26th, and October 2nd for this purpose exclusively. It was transformed into a holiday for a new generation.
Second, elders bear responsibility, as they take their liberty for granted. They are not doing their part.
Finally, in the current political system, certain politicians regard themselves as the new form of kings in this Indian democracy.
What could be the solution?
Due to a variety of factors, there has been a significant decline in activities promoting the Indian freedom movement in educational institutions in recent years. As a teacher, I believe educational institutions and teachers have a primary responsibility to get students’ high attention and interest in the freedom struggle that led to the freedom we enjoy today..
Twenty years ago, during the month of August, schools held week-long celebrations honouring the freedom struggle and Indian independence. However, we are no longer witnessed, even as an example.
It should be mandatory for all educational institutions to dedicate a week-long prioritised event to the freedom movement in August and October, as well as a week-long prioritised event to the current Indian democratic system, which is comprised of the four pillars of democracy- the Legislature, the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Media- and, in particular, how the military services, police system, and supporting organisations protect us in our daily lives.
In this context, Syria and Afghanistan serve as textbook examples of how people’s lives can be ruined when the system fails to provide adequate protection. It teaches them about the strength of the Indian system, which works tirelessly to make every citizen’s life beautiful.
On the eve of the nation’s father’s birthday, I pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and soldiers who helped make the dream of an independent India a reality. In honour of this day, I thank my democratic system and all those who are involved and work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all Indian citizens.
Jai hind…
