It was on 15 August 1947 that India became independent from British colonial rule. Today, as citizens, we have celebrated the 79th Independence Day. But even after freedom from the British, we Indians have still not found true freedom from our own government. The ruling BJP government wants to change the system of the country into a Hindu Rashtra, even though people of all religions have always lived together and joined each other’s festivals.
Muslim and Christian communities are being targeted and harassed. Churches and schools are attacked, and priests and nuns who dedicate their lives to serving God and helping the poor are insulted. People are even denied the right to eat food of their choice, especially beef. Muslim suppliers are attacked by Hindu groups, even though India’s biggest beef exporters are Hindus themselves. Many Hindus also eat beef and offer cattle sacrifices, yet the attacks are only directed at Muslims and Christians. Why are citizens being forced to fight each other in the name of religion, language, and development, just so politicians can win votes through divide-and-rule, just like the British once did?
The British jailed freedom fighters, and now our own police and government put innocent citizens behind bars for raising their voices. Cases are filed against those who speak up, even in the name of Shivaji statues and other issues. The British left long ago, but their way of ruling still lives on in our politicians.
Day by day, citizens are forced to come out on the streets to protect the environment, to fight for justice, and to fight for peace—because the government refuses to listen to the people who voted them into power. In the name of development, taxpayers’ money is looted for personal gain, while citizens’ pockets are emptied with false promises. The real question is: why, even today, have Indians not gained freedom from their own government? This is why the poor keep becoming poorer while the rich grow richer. Politicians must stop playing dirty politics to divide citizens for power. Let the people of India live in peace. Today, India itself is divided in the name of states. Jai Hind.
