Independence??

We recently celebrated our 78th Independence Day. Our freedom fighters worked hard and did their best to make us feel independent. But do we really experience the essence of independence? People say independence is a state of mind and a spirit beyond categories, yet even today, we fight over religion. We continue to divide people by religion, caste, and community. Our minds talk about independence for every Indian citizen, but do we truly feel it or mean it? We speak of a scientific revolution through social media and electronic media, but is it reflected in our actions toward others, without regard to caste or religion? We talk about revolution, evolution, and technology, yet we are still considered a developing country, not a developed one. We are still 10 to 15 years behind many developed countries, despite having so many intelligent minds, scientists, researchers, and others who can work for our country as our freedom fighters did to win us our freedom.

I'll take an example from my own profession. There has been a significant revolution in the hearing health industry. We now have digital hearing aids and cochlear implants that can address hearing health issues. Customized hearing solutions allow individuals to lead normal lives, just like others. However, due to a lack of awareness and stigma, many people are still hesitant to use such technology. In other countries, there are groups of professionals who buy hearing aids in bulk and distribute them among themselves. After a few years, they donate the unused devices to underprivileged people in developing countries. Countries like ours accept this outdated technology. But why? We are independent and capable of acquiring this technology, and we have scientists who can design it ourselves. So why do we still rely on outdated methods?

By following the Western world, its culture, and technology, we have become accustomed to it. We no longer strive to become independent or take our own steps forward. Many non-profit organizations from developed countries want to collaborate with our non-profit organization, offering outdated, unused technology to developing countries. I firmly refuse that. We have the facilities and the financial capacity to invest in new technology and make a real difference in the lives of our underprivileged children. So why should we compromise? Using old technology for a year or more versus using new digital hearing aids for five to seven years can make a huge difference in the lives of deaf children.

The same applies to cochlear implants and hearing aid technology. Other countries offer hearing aids at cheaper prices, and we get attracted by discounts, buying that technology at the cost of losing our precious time. We've become so accustomed to terms like "foreign brands," "cheaper prices," and "discount schemes," as if they are specially designed for us because we are a developing country, and we simply go along with it. We become fascinated by the aggressive marketing strategies of developed countries, but in doing so, we fail to develop ourselves. Even after 77 years of independence, we claim to be independent, yet our thought process is not truly free.

This is just one example from the hearing health industry, but the same pattern can be seen across all sectors. We spend large sums of money to invite foreign entertainers, but we don't focus on important issues in our country, such as improving cleanliness, enhancing education strategies, or helping the poor and especially abled become self-dependent. Why do children from higher-income backgrounds still prefer to go abroad for higher education rather than pursue it within our own culturally rich Indian institutions? Although we are independent, we have not truly learned to value it. The same amount of money spent on education abroad could be invested here to improve our own educational facilities and values.

Lord Krishna, who created the universe, has left his fragrance throughout our country, so why do we fear change, delay progress, or hesitate to embrace independence? Over the years, many changes, revolutions, and scientific advancements have taken place all over the world, yet the essence of Lord Krishna and his actions remain in the hearts of those who believe in him. The same can be said for all gods and goddesses across various religions—their presence is still felt, even though today's younger generation may not actively believe in them. However, they often experience this connection when faced with challenges, especially during natural calamities.

I meet many different kinds of individuals every day in my clinic, and I often feel that the strongest weapon of our country—faith—is not embedded in the mindset of people. The spirituality of recognizing one’s own existence and the individual power to bring about change with one’s own potential is missing from our teachings. We are individuals who get mesmerized by the wealthy, politicians, and celebrities, and by those who believe we should fight among ourselves. We end up getting trapped in the scientific world without exploring the potential of our own mindset to be truly independent.

I believe that independence is truly felt when no underprivileged person has to ask for help again. Independence means that I, as an Indian, can breathe fresh air and live with medicines and other essentials created by my fellow Indians. It means not having to rely on other countries for finance, education, or any other necessities of life. I will feel independence when I am aware of what is wrong in my country and actively work to address it. When I understand the strengths and weaknesses of my own country and contribute to its progress, that is when independence is truly felt. Independence can be genuinely experienced when all Indian citizens take responsibility and work positively for their nation.

Bharat Mata ki Jai! Jai Hind. I feel proud to be an Indian.