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It’s been 70 years today, since my country first tasted independence.

70 years of making our own laws, our own rules,

70 years of the right to voice our opinions,

70 years of no discrimination on the basis of caste or creed,

70 years of struggle on the path to becoming the “Golden bird” again.

 

But look around-hear the voices-they’re raising questions,

Are we really free?

We’ve made our own laws, but do we uphold them?

What about the currency notes quietly slipped into waiting palms?

What about the millions of Indian, who are still waiting for alms?

What about that politician who roams around free?

What about the teenager who raised his voice and had to pay a hefty fee?

What about the reservation which has become a cause of concern?

Isn’t calling someone “Chinki” a form of discrimination not so hard to discern?

 

Yes, my country has faults, and I take equal blame.

Yes, we have a long way to go before we are truly free.

Free of the vices that still plague my nation,

Yes, there is still a long way to perfection.

 

But, I still celebrate this day,

for it marks the anniversary of an awaited end-to a bloodied struggle that panned decades

And a beautiful start-of the road to freedom that I do enjoy.

 

Happy Independence day 🙂