Happy Independence Day: Independence from colonial mindset

 And India celebrates its 77th Independence Day today! Happy Independence Day.

77 years since our nation got independence from the Britishers. But are we really independent? 

We are still mentally holding on to the manacles of the ideology invaders (Mughals and colonisers) imposed on us. We are still worried about our safety, are forced into the closet forever due to safety, and many are forced to live a life they didn't want because of society and its rules, etc. 

Ancient India was way ahead of its time (maybe medieval too). Learning about ancient/medieval India and its practices via snippets from various authentic sources on different grounds gave us an idea of what independence actually was. Be it for women or people from LGBTQIA+ community.

For example, before invaders and colonisers entered India, every region had different saree draping styles and in many of these draping styles, blouses or petticoats weren't a thing. It is only the British idea of appropriate clothing that blouses or petticoats came into the picture, and ghoonghat because of the Mughals. Though now it is an accepted style of clothing, altered because of western thought, we shame victims of sexual assault for wearing western dresses (or anything for that matter, even baby,  diapers).

Or homosexuality and transgender had an acceptance in ancient/medieval India, but with advent of colonizers, homophobia and transphobia entered India too. Indians still hold on to the colonial mindset, damaging relationship with those closest to them (family, bestfriends) and abuse others who come out of the closet.

76th anniversary of Independence Day, and India, though have developed a lot, has not reached its full potential. Still grappling with poverty and ever-rising crime rates, corruption, phobias against the LGBTQIA+ community, communal hatred etc., we still have a long way to go to achieve complete freedom, with individual responsibility to not hijack others'.

I am a proud Indian, curious about learning more about the history and culture of India, but not scared to point out the follies either.

In the post-Indepenence history of modern India, a lot of politicians came by, but only a handful of leaders. Many are no less than colonizers themselves. If the right leaders would have been in governing positions from the start, we would have been witnessing an even more developed India, but alas! We can't change history, but can make a change by letting go of hatred and living by the principle of "live and let live". 

Hoping for an independent India in years to come, where-

• women don't have to be worried about their safety every other second; aren't told about what and how to wear; and they can make choices for themselves
• Let go of phobias against religions, linguistic communities, LGBTQIA+ community, etc.
• More tolerable society, not dictating other's life choices

Credits- Krishna Shastri Devulapalli