2 days ago
City youth redefine independence as personal, progressive freedom
Patna: Today's youth is redefining the concept of independence, moving beyond the historical context of political freedom from colonial rule. For them, true freedom is a deeply personal and multifaceted experience.
They see independence not just in the hoisting of a flag or reading out a speech, but in the daily pursuit of personal agency: the freedom to express themselves, choose their career paths and challenge societal norms.
While they respect the sacrifices of the past, they are increasingly focused on what independence means for future — building a nation that is not just politically sovereign, but also socially progressive and individually liberating.
Priya, a second-year college student, said, "Freedom for me is when I don't need to rely on another person. If I want to go out at any particular time, I can, without needing anyone's permission or depending on someone to go out with me."
She, however, added that to preserve this freedom, one must be mindful and respectful in exercising the rights provided by the constitution. Today's leaders must understand the youth's need for practical and emotional independence, which cannot be handed harshly, she said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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For Akshay Raj, a private company employee, freedom is "individuality". He said that each generation inherits and then rewrites the meaning of independence. "Boomers fought for stability after chaos, finding independence in economic security, property and building a 'life worth keeping'. Millennials stepped on that stage and stretched independence into mobility, the freedom to travel, shift careers, blur the rigid life paths their parents followed.
For Gen Z, freedom is the right to self-express without borders, challenge systemic norms in real time and belong anywhere without asking geography's permission," he said.
To preserve this ever changing freedom, Akshay believes we must stop treating it "like furniture, something that once placed, stays forever".
"Independence survives only when we keep challenging the systems that claim to protect it. The moment freedom feels too safe, it starts to fossilize. Each generation must re-earn it in its own language, question the walls it stands on and refuse to let it become a relic," he said.
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