Independence

The morning started with several messaging alerts on my mobile, wishing me Independence day today and the day started with this provoking thought what an independence is all about ? Am I AZAAD in true sense or the Constitution of this country says so , therefore I must say I am an Independent Indian !!                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                   

Driving back from Manaa's school, I saw same tired faces on the streets and market, same waiting in queue at railway crossing, nearby tea-stall owner was as usual shouting at little poor child labours to attend the customer standing with a bike, his co-owner was lighting "DIA and Agarbatti" in a small corner where he set-up his "god" and was offering flowers. Mechanical those kids serving steel glasses filled with filthy water, holding several glasses with their fingers in to this seemingly arrogant customer who placed the order. I observed that few Plastic TRICOLOURs were inserted here and there on his table alongside the chocolate jars. Didn't find anything new I moved on, kids rushing to their schools, vegetable vendor ladies arranging their handcarts as usual, Ah this is unusual for sure , the sight of Policemen !!! so early in the morning ,in their polished shoes, ironed uniform, shaved faces and with carrying their trademark BELLY ! Nothing seem to be new, back home on TV, the sight of politicians and leaders and who's who of the keepers of the so called democracy grabbing the opportunity to appear on the screen. On TV too, saw boring faces of the kids, waiting to go back to their schools only to get few biscuits, so called guests of honour half in their sleep while these mike loving Netas give their endless, meaningless, purposeless speeches ! And that's how, somehow this celebrations end, student go home to enjoy rest of their holiday. No one really knows what, why , for whom, all these celebrations for !! I am not against celebrating I-day, I used to wait for it in my school days but today not many students find it interesting enough to go there at school when they reach in their teens.                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                             

I-day could not be the day for introspection ?? Are we Independents ? Aren't we still tied with the shackles of so many pre-conceived notions ? Are we not the prisoners of thoughts, belief, profession, success, wealth, health, relationships. Perhaps we all are at some stage and some point of time prisoners of LIFE itself.  I want be independent of the thought that makes me weak, I want to be independent from those compelling urges of mind, body and soul with my actions and reactions. I wish, I hope with each passing day of life, I walk through the tunnels of my entire being and be able to find each darkest and deepest turns. If I get close to my real self I know I might reach the independence in true sense.                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                    

Wish all my friends and loved ones Happy Independence day with a hope that they all find their definitions of real independence and live for it. - Good Night.