“நம் நாடு நமக்கு என்ன செய்தது என்று கேட்பதற்குப் பதிலாக,
நம் நாட்டிற்காக நாம் என்ன செய்தோம் என்று நினைத்துப் பார்ப்போம்.”
Instead of asking what our country has given us, let us pause and
think about what we have done for our country.
This thought feels particularly meaningful when we speak about freedom.
We celebrate Independence Day every year. We remember the freedom
fighters, hoist the national flag, sing patriotic songs and speak proudly about
our country. But perhaps freedom is not only about being free from foreign
rule.
A country can truly enjoy its freedom only when its citizens
understand their responsibilities, perform their duties sincerely and, only
then, ask for or demand their rights.
Rights and responsibilities must go hand in hand.
We often speak about our rights. The right to education. The right
to safety. The right to equality. The right to express ourselves. The right to
a clean environment. The right to good governance.
But how often do we stop and ask ourselves:
“What is my responsibility towards my country?”
It need not always be something extraordinary. It can begin with
the simplest things in our everyday lives.
1. Follow traffic rules. Respect pedestrians.
Stopping at a red light, wearing a helmet, wearing a seat belt,
driving responsibly and giving pedestrians their rightful space may appear like
very ordinary things.
But these ordinary actions save lives.
Being in a hurry does not give us the right to ignore another
person's safety.
2. Respect our natural resources
Water, electricity, trees, soil and all the resources nature has
given us are not unlimited.
Turning off a tap when it is not needed, avoiding unnecessary
wastage of water, switching off lights and fans, planting and protecting trees,
and using resources thoughtfully are small acts of responsibility.
The country belongs to us, but so does its responsibility.
3. Keep our surroundings clean
We complain about dirty roads, overflowing garbage bins and
polluted surroundings.
But where does that garbage come from?
Keeping our homes clean is important, but our responsibility does
not end at our doorstep. Streets, parks, beaches, public places and
neighbourhoods belong to all of us.
Cleanliness should not be somebody else's job alone.
4. Work is worship
Whatever our profession may be, let us respect our work.
A doctor, teacher, farmer, driver, security guard, sanitation
worker, shopkeeper, engineer or office employee—every honest profession
contributes to the functioning of society.
If our working hours are from 9 to 5, let us sincerely work during
those hours. If someone has entrusted us with a responsibility, let us do it to
the best of our ability.
We don't always have to do something big for the country.
Doing our own work honestly is itself a contribution.
5. Help one another
A country is not built only by governments and institutions.
It is built by people.
Helping an elderly person cross the road, guiding someone who is
lost, sharing knowledge, supporting a neighbour in need, helping someone learn
a skill or simply being considerate towards another human being—all these
create a kinder society.
When citizens help one another, the country becomes stronger.
6. Respect our traditions and culture
Our traditions, customs and cultural practices have travelled
across generations.
They may be religious, spiritual, regional or family traditions.
We may choose what we wish to follow, but understanding and respecting our
cultural heritage helps us remain connected to where we came from.
At the same time, tradition should not prevent us from respecting
others and accepting differences.
A strong nation can preserve its roots while continuing to grow.
7. Educate. Share awareness. Learn.
We live in a world where information travels in seconds.
Instead of forwarding everything we receive, perhaps we can pause,
verify and share something useful.
Teach a child something new. Share information about an
environmental initiative. Talk about an inspiring person. Introduce someone to
a book. Spread awareness about something good happening around us or somewhere
else in the world.
Knowledge becomes more valuable when it is shared.
These may sound like regular things.
They may even sound boring.
There is nothing dramatic about stopping at a traffic signal.
Nothing extraordinary about putting a piece of waste in a dustbin. Nothing
heroic about doing our work honestly or switching off a tap.
But imagine if every Indian citizen did these ordinary things
sincerely.
Imagine the difference.
Imagine our roads, our public spaces, our environment, our
workplaces and our communities.
Imagine how India would be seen on the global map—not merely
because of its population, economy, technology or achievements, but because of
the responsible
citizens who make up the country.
Perhaps freedom to be free also means freeing ourselves
from the attitude that someone else will take care of it.
Someone else will clean the street.
Someone else will follow the rules.
Someone else will save water.
Someone else will help.
Someone else will do their duty.
Someone else will make India better.
Why not me?
Wherever we may be today, for whatever reason—studying, working or
living away from India—our connection with our motherland does not necessarily
disappear.
And if one day we return to our motherland, let us return with
gratitude and respect for everything she has given us.
Let us not only ask:
“What has India given me?”
Let us also ask:
“What have I given India?”
I dream of an India where every citizen understands that duties and
responsibilities are not burdens but the foundation of our rights.
When we perform our duties, respect one another, protect our
resources, follow rules and work together, perhaps we won't have to constantly
demand our rights.
They will naturally find their place in our hands.
Because a nation becomes truly free when its citizens understand
that freedom
is not merely the right to do what we want. It is also the responsibility to do
what is right.
And perhaps, one day, India will shine—not only because the world
notices her, but because every citizen is doing their part to make her shine.
A question for you
If you had to name just ONE thing you could do differently from
today as your responsibility towards India, what would it be?
This Independence Day, let us celebrate not only the freedom we
received, but also the responsibility we carry.
Jai Hind!
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