Today, the entire nation of India is celebrating the 78th anniversary of its independence. This day became a reality after the relentless struggle and unparalleled sacrifices of countless brave souls. In the year 1600 AD, the British arrived in India for trade and established the East India Company here. At that time, India was divided into small princely states. Taking advantage of the political and religious divisions among the people, the British gradually took control of the entire country. The people of India made several attempts to break the chains of slavery, but complete success was achieved on August 15, 1947. This day brings with it many bittersweet memories. Today, we remember the countless known and unknown martyrs and the extraordinary sacrifices made by their families. Those warriors who gave their lives to secure this freedom probably did not envision the India we inherited after independence.

The announcement of independence was immediately followed by the tragic partition of India and Pakistan. Millions of innocent and helpless people were killed. Punjab bore the brunt of this division the most. Our rivers, our land were divided into two parts. Our religious places were left across the borders. Millions of people had to live in refugee camps. Thousands of women were dishonored. Even today, when we meet some of the elderly who witnessed this tragedy, the horrific scenes they saw in their childhood come to mind. The longing to see their birthplace is still visible in their eyes.

After independence, our country had to face many challenges such as illiteracy, corruption, poverty, untouchability, regionalism, and communalism. These problems became major obstacles to the country's economic development. Despite all these challenges, we have made commendable progress in every field. Even today, India is rapidly moving towards self-reliance. Thanks to the five-year plans after independence, we have achieved significant milestones in education, health services, agricultural production, industrial development, and transportation. By granting the right to vote to 18-year-old boys and girls, we have empowered them to play a significant role in electing the government. By granting more rights to women and the backward sections of society, we have further strengthened their contribution to nation-building.

Today, on August 15, 2024, we are celebrating the freedom by hoisting the tricolor at every home. Undoubtedly, this is our national festival, and we should celebrate it without any discrimination. However, when we seriously consider whether the martyrs who kissed the noose for the country in their youth envisioned the India in which we live today, we are compelled to reflect.

Every morning, the newspaper that arrives at our doorstep is filled with horrific news. Unemployment, suicides, declarations of strikes, and protests have become familiar words in our daily lives. The frustration among the youth, driven by unemployment, drug addiction, and the apathy of governments, is perhaps dulling the colors of our freedom. A large number of our youth are moving abroad. These are not the positive meanings of freedom. Our governments need to be sensitive to this. Today, there is a need to expedite the files lying in offices. Every needy person should benefit from government schemes. The justice system should be simple and efficient. Employment should reach every household; only then will we truly feel the essence of freedom.