From colonial liberation to personal freedom: How Guwahati students view independence today

Time of India

3 days ago

Guwahati: While national pride still resonates with many, for today's youth, independence is no longer just about flag-hoisting ceremonies or remembering colonial struggles.
It's about the freedom to live, speak, and exist authentically.
While speaking with college students, TOI explored how young Indians perceive freedom today.
Many expressed that while political independence was achieved 78 years ago, true independence remains elusive, arguing that political freedom alone does not guarantee personal, economic, or social liberation. For them, the idea of independence feels flawed — a concept that often falls short in practice, especially in a world where self-expression and opportunity are still limited.
For them, freedom is not just a historical milestone — it's a lived experience, and one they're still fighting for.
Bipanshi Chakravarti, a political science student from Handique Girl's College, believes that true independence would be realised when society makes space for them, and ensures equal opportunities to live, grow and contribute without discrimination or neglect.
"Freedom after all is not complete until it extends to every living being who shares our streets, our resources and our future," Chakravarti said.
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While students define independence as the freedom to choose a career without parental pressure or to act without societal constraints, they also highlight a clear generational divide in how freedom is understood and experienced today.
"During our grandparents' time, the idea of independence was completely different, back when our country was under colonial rule, it was all about survival — food, shelter, political stability.
Ours is all about expression, climate, responsibility and equality. Our elders literally fought to rebuild a nation from scratch, we on the other hand are trying to shape a fairer one," said Konkona Bharadwaj, a student of Tata Institute of Social Science.
In today's digital age, where communication has been transformed by technology, young people find themselves navigating a complex landscape of expression. While some believe that online platforms have empowered them to speak creatively and amplify unheard voices, others feel constrained by invisible boundaries.
Many students shared that freedom of speech exists only within unwritten limits — beyond which they risk legal, social, or political repercussions. In both physical and virtual spaces, the fear of backlash, trolling, or being targeted often forces them into silence, making true freedom of expression feel conditional and fragile.
According to Sabique Hasan Ahmed, a resident of Guwahati and a student at BR Ambedkar University, social media can serve as a powerful platform for student activism, offering visibility to their causes and inspiring others to take a stand.
However, he said he has not been able to express his opinions online, without being trolled by unknown faces.
"I have experienced in the last three years, I have stopped posting frequently, and even if I do, it will be on an important topic which will align sentimentally with others," Ahmed said.
Udipta Nobis, a student of Gauhati Commerce College, noted that people are often quick to report, bully, or censor anyone whose opinions differ from their own.
This growing intolerance in public discourse replaces healthy debate with hostility, making individuals feel unsafe to voice their perspectives.
"Over time, such an environment can take a toll on mental health, as constant fear of being targeted or humiliated online leads to anxiety, self-doubt, and social withdrawal. The pressure to conform, coupled with the risk of public shaming, not only silences diverse viewpoints but also erodes the emotional well-being of young people," Nobis said.
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