At the stroke of midnight hour on August 15, 1947, when India stepped out from the old to the new, Indians dreamt of a life free from bindings, social and political. In the past 64 years, the meaning of freedom has changed but the craving is still the same. There are thousands of issues which bother free Indians, some serious, some not so serious. This week, as free India stepped into its 65th year, The Telegraph asked some young Indians about the freedom they wish for. Here’s what they had to say...

 

SCHOOL BEAT

Shailja Agarwal

Class XI (Commerce)St Joseph’s Convent High School

Freedom to: Pursue my dreams

A student still has no freedom to make his or her own choice. Whether it is

studies or career choice, more often than not, the child is forced to comply with the family’s wishes. We are made to think like everybody else, follow the crowd. But I want the freedom to follow my dreams and trust my own

instincts. I crave for a world where I am encouraged to stretch my horizons and rise above the mundane. I promise I will not lose heart and vigour.

 

Anupam Kumar

Kachhap,Class XII (Science),Patna Central School

Freedom to: Play music

I didn’t know what I really wanted to do till I saw a video of American rock band Linkin Park. The drummer of the band, Rob Bourdon, inspired me to learn how to play the instrument. My friends and I have formed a rock band and contributed money to buy the instruments. Music makes me feel free but my parents think it’s hampering my studies. I want freedom to play music with my friends without any restriction. I promise my studies won’t be affected.

 

Mejaz-ul-Haque

Class XII,International School

Freedom from: Narrow-mindedness

I wish to walk on the streets with my closest friends, boys and girls,without worrying about the narrow-mindedness of the people around us. I wish for a society free of prejudices, where I wouldn’t be judged for each and every action of mine. I crave for a life where I am not chided for hanging out with my friends.I want people around me to be tolerant and respect other’s privacy. I promise to value my freedom and never cross the line.

 

Nidhi Jha

Class XI,St Joseph’s Convent High School

Freedom from: Gender bias

A girl student has to face several restrictions, some necessary because of social situations and some imposed by orthodox parents. If the school plans a long tour, many girls are not sent just because parents think it’s not safe for them. Girl students in senior classes are asked to wear salwar-kameez because it’s safe and feminine. Why aren’t these restrictions imposed on boys? I crave for equal opportunities in life and I promise to make my parents proud of me.