Independence Day 2025: Are We Truly Free or Still in Chains?

On 15 August 1947, India finally won its freedom after more than 200 years of British colonial rule. This victory was not easy; it came after decades of sacrifice, non-violent protests, and countless lives lost in the fight for liberty. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inspired millions to stand united against injustice and foreign dominance.

But while the Tiranga was proudly hoisted for the first time in free India, the journey towards complete freedom did not end there. Political independence gave us the right to govern ourselves, but true freedom—freedom from hunger, poverty, corruption, inequality, and injustice is still a work in progress.

Today, even after 78 years of independence, we remain trapped by social and economic problems that hold us back from becoming the nation our freedom fighters dreamed of. The chains are no longer made of iron and oppression; they are built from hunger that keeps millions malnourished, corruption that weakens our institutions, gender inequality that limits opportunities, and illiteracy that steals the future of our children.

This Independence Day, as we celebrate the courage of our past, we must also look honestly at the challenges of our present. True independence means every citizen can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity, and that is the freedom we still need to achieve.

The New Shackles Holding Us Back

India’s political independence in 1947 was a monumental achievement, but several social and economic problems still hold us back from becoming a truly free nation. These issues may not come with chains or prison bars, but they continue to restrict progress and equality for millions.

Hunger and Poverty – The Silent Bondage

 

Despite three decades of progress, hunger continues to be one of India’s greatest challenges. The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranked India 111 out of 125 countries, meaning millions of people still do not have access to nutritious food. The NITI Aayog Multidimensional Poverty Index indicates that more than 230 million Indians live below the poverty line, with a limited ability to access health care, education, and decent shelter.

Hunger and poverty are not merely economic issues; they remove opportunities and dignity from people. A hungry child will not be able to concentrate in school, and a family stuck in poverty has scant hope of escaping it.

 

Corruption – The Rot Within

Corruption has become so pervasive that it prevails in nearly all aspects of life, be it obtaining a simple government document or obtaining a business license. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, India was placed at 93 out of 180 countries, reflecting the extent of the issue.

When corruption is on the rise, public money intended for development finds its way into private coffers. Roads are left half-finished, medical facilities are under-financed, and resources go to the payers instead of the deserving ones. This subtle but potent force puts the brakes on the nation’s advancement.

 

Gender Inequality – Half the Population Still Struggling

India cannot claim to be truly independent when half its population faces discrimination. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, crimes against women remain alarmingly high. From unequal wages to safety concerns, women still encounter barriers that limit their personal and professional growth.

True freedom means that women can move freely without fear, earn equal pay for equal work, and have equal opportunities in education and leadership. Without gender equality, our independence remains incomplete.

Child Labour and Illiteracy – Stealing the Future

The census and labour surveys reveal that millions of children in India are still engaged in labour instead of attending school. While child labour is illegal, it continues in industries like farming, small-scale manufacturing, and domestic work.

Illiteracy further deepens the problem. Although literacy rates have improved over the years, a significant gap remains in rural areas, especially among girls. When children are forced to work or denied education, the nation loses future doctors, engineers, scientists, and leaders.

Environmental Neglect – Choking Our Freedom

Environmental degradation is another form of bondage we often overlook. India is home to some of the world’s most polluted cities, with air quality levels often exceeding safe limits. Deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change threaten both human health and food security.

Without a healthy environment, economic growth cannot be sustained. Clean air, safe drinking water, and green spaces are as essential to freedom as political rights. Protecting the environment is not just an ecological issue; it is a survival issue.

Beyond Political Independence: The Real Freedom We Need

Winning political independence in 1947 gave India the right to govern itself, but freedom goes far beyond raising a flag or having our own government. True independence means every citizen has social freedom, economic freedom, and moral freedom.

Social Freedom

A society where every individual, regardless of gender, caste, religion, or economic status, can live without discrimination or fear. This includes access to education, healthcare, and safety for all.

Economic Freedom

The ability for every citizen to earn a fair living, have access to job opportunities, and live without the burden of poverty.

Moral Freedom

A society built on integrity, ethics, and respect for the rights of others, free from corruption and exploitation.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” And as Dr B.R. Ambedkar reminded us, “We must stand on our own feet and fight as best as we can for our rights.” These words remind us that independence is not a single moment in history; it is a constant responsibility.

Independence 2.0 – A Call to Action by Shaksham Group

At Shaksham Group, we believe that the fight for freedom did not end in 1947. The challenges of hunger, poverty, corruption, inequality, and environmental neglect demand a new kind of freedom struggle; one that involves every citizen.

Here’s how we can all be part of Independence 2.0:

Volunteer your time

Support causes that work towards education, women’s empowerment, and child welfare.

Support credible NGOs

Every contribution, whether money or skills, helps make a difference.

Raise awareness

Use your voice online and offline to highlight social issues and inspire change.

Live ethically

Refuse to pay bribes, respect laws, and treat others with dignity.

Freedom is not something we receive once and keep forever. It is something we earn every day through our actions and choices. Shaksham Group stands committed to creating an India where independence is not just political but personal, social, and economic for every citizen.

Conclusion – The Freedom Dream for 2047

In 2047, India will mark 100 years of independence. Imagine a nation where no child sleeps hungry, where every citizen is educated, where women feel safe on every street, and where corruption is a thing of the past. This vision is not impossible; it is waiting for us to build it.

The responsibility lies with us. Our forefathers gave us a free nation; now, it is our duty to make it a truly free society. Let us work together so that when the Tiranga is raised in 2047, it represents a country that has broken every chain—social, economic, and moral.

At Shaksham Group, we pledge to contribute to this vision, and we invite every Indian to join us in shaping a future worthy of the sacrifices made in the past.