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Every year on August 15, the entire country unites as one to celebrate Independence Day with enthusiasm and vigour. Feelings of belongingness, brotherhood and camaraderie prevail, but there also arises the question of are we truly free? We, at Gomantak Times Digital, posed that and other questions to young minds around Goa, this is what they came up with.
FREEDOM FROM FEELING UNSAFE AT WORK
Dr Nupur Kulkarni-Prabhudesai, pulmonologist and sleep specialist
“As a doctor, I assumed that there are at least two places where I will always be safe – my home and my workplace. Doing 24-48 hours of gruelling shifts is not uncommon for us; the profession demands it! Resident doctors are the lifeline of a hospital. But how is it that in today's day and age, we still aren't able to guarantee basic necessities and safety at the workplace? A doctor in Kolkata was brutally raped and murdered at her workplace, where she treated patients. How can our society be healthy, if doctors aren't safe at their workplace? Safety at the workplace is a basic human right and it spans across professions, age and gender. And we have still have miles to walk when it comes to women's safety.
FREEDOM FROM FAKE NEWS AND SCAMS
Clesito Fernandes, works in the corporate sector
“The new problem the country is currently facing is the fake news, propaganda and scams, at large. As a country, we should strive to eliminate all sort of fake news for the better prospects of our young minds. In countries like Finland, students are trained in schools on how to verify the news and how to identify the fake websites. In subjects like maths, they are trained how to rectify the stats. This helps them beat fake news and propaganda. Recently, in the United Kingdom, in its new education curriculum, included how to teach their students to spot fake news. This is what should be our new motto for Independence Day!”
FREEDOM FROM AN EXCLUSIVIST IDEA OF SOCIETY
Usman Khan Pathan, PhD candidate and State President, Students Islamic Organisation of India, Goa Zone
“On this 78th Independence Day, we find ourselves reflecting on the true meaning of freedom. Are we truly free when the poison of communalism still festers among us? Hate crimes and lynching continue to grip our society, while girls are forced to choose between faith and education. Despite the Constitutional guarantees, there are forces, today, that seek to impose religious conformity. To be truly free, we must rid ourselves of the environment of hate that is being cultivated. The selective targeting of minorities must end. It is imperative for civil society, the media, and all citizens to unite in building a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-moving society. Only when we achieve this will we truly be free.”
FREEDOM FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS & EXPECTATIONS
Ishita Godinho, who work with a foundation, CSR Head
“I believe I do have freedom in many aspects of my life—freedom to pursue the work I love, engage in recreational activities that bring me joy and live in alignment with my values. However, an area I'd want to experience freedom in, is not being weighed down by other people's opinions or society's expectations. These pressures often hinder personal growth, leading to unhappy lives, strained relationships and unfulfilling jobs. When we're constantly trying to meet external standards, we lose sight of our own path and passions. True freedom comes from letting go of these burdens, allowing us to grow, make authentic choices and find genuine happiness. I think as Indian women, we are conditioned to just be too careful and care too much. I think it’s important to reflect on your values, goals and what truly matters to you. Set boundaries, question societal norms and beliefs that don’t align with your authentic self. Remember, that everyone is too busy with their own life, you focus on yours.”
FREEDOM TO CREATE MEANINGFUL FILMS
Milroy Goes, filmmaker
“With India’s independence came Constitutional liberties, a testament to the struggle led by our freedom fighters. As a filmmaker, I have always endeavoured to pursue creative liberty. However, some films inadvertently provoke political agendas, leading to acts of vandalism that suppress the fundamental rights of free speech and creative expression. I speak out on behalf of all filmmakers who seek to create without the fear of censorship or backlash. I firmly believe in the necessity of creative freedom, particularly in Goa, where I wish to continue making films without facing undue scrutiny or questioning. The freedom to create is vital to the integrity of our artistic expression.
FREEDOM TO FULLY EXERCISE OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES
Sharada Kerkar, artist
“As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, it’s essential to consider the current state of our civil liberties. In recent years, India has seen a troubling pattern of civil rights being restricted, from halted protests and unjust imprisonments to violations of freedom essential to democracy—such as practicing religion, expressing opinions through art, and organising protests against government actions. Privacy is also under threat, with growing online surveillance. The Authoritarian Threat Index highlights that India now faces a ‘severe’ authoritarian threat. These restrictions are particularly harmful to marginalised communities, who are disproportionately affected. This Independence Day, let's regain our freedom to fully exercise our civil liberties.”
FREEDOM OF EQUALITY
Ryle Souto, artist
As a queer person, and someone who is privileged, I would like to know the state of other queer people in the county? As queer people, we need to acknowledge our own privileges so that we can address what is happening around us that may have never happened to us. To be able to say "I have never experienced homophobia and transphobia" in a country that faces these issues on a daily basis is a privilege. To be able to stay silent is a privilege. We cannot be free until all our queer siblings are free, until women can be safe, until we can all say that we are free."