What Does Independence Mean To Me?

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What does independence mean to me?

Independence to me is being able to be myself, be me

The summation of my culture, morals and faith

It is the person I have become and the things I do

It is doing those things wrong, repeating mistakes

Until one day… when I am no more at fault

Independence to me is the promise of maturity

It is how I’m living and letting live in a diverse society

It is the respect for each and every diverse independent person

It is when I eat mutton and firni on Eid with my Muslim friend

And when he attends the langar at my Gurudwara

Independence to me is when I voice my opinion

It is when none is against me when I raise my voice

It is when the whole nation’s voice resonates with me

It is the one single issue that the entire nation voiced

Gandhian with Nehru topi… independence personified.

Independence to me is 10 years since 9/ 11

It is wondering as a little kid why the plane killed the WTC

It is still being stuck with the same question, also

Marveling at Laden’s promise of his heaven with 72 virgins

In awe… hoping that those delusional souls find their sinful heaven

Independence is the iron lady fasting in the north-east

It is her unrelenting struggle against what is unjust

It is ten years and more of self-governance with resolve

It is the satyagraha the country forgot, it is

The day she waits for, the day justice will prevail.

Independence to me is what the Indian freedom fighters desired

It is not what the builders of modern India delivered

It is reflecting on the true meaning of freedom

It is where the mind is without fear

… And where, the head is held high.
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Manish Tweari on Team Anna

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