Independence or Illusion- Here are the facts

Lets take a deep dive into the facts......

Yes, to speak honestly, when we look at the current situation of our state and country, one question comes to everyone’s mind — are we truly independent?

Because even today, if you write or create content against the ruling party, you may end up in jail or in court. At the same time, many rapists still roam freely among ordinary people. Corruption exists everywhere — from private sectors to government sectors, from a small clerk to the high delegates. Our whole system — education, healthcare, employment, transport, water supply, sanitation, waste management, etc. is corrupt and broken.

We also face many other problems — pollution, crop failure, low-quality market goods, inflation, sharp income inequality, lack of women’s safety, poor infrastructure in many sectors, low life expectancy, poverty, high unemployment, and low literacy. These are the reasons why we are still called a developing country, often labelled as a “third world nation.”

But we should not forget that for this sad condition of our country, we — the citizens — are equally responsible. From electing someone who failed in class eight or barely passed high school to represent us in administration, to throwing household garbage straight into rivers and canals. From paying extra donations to get admission into a good school, to bribing an officer with ₹2000 to avoid a traffic fine — we are part of this corruption.

Yes, in the past foreigners looted us, but today we are cheated by our own people — the ones we ourselves elect and put into power. As ordinary citizens, we suffer the results of our own actions every day. The same Constitution gives us the freedom to watch web series till midnight, and the same Constitution grants bail to the rapist who once tortured the girl you took tuition from when you were in school. The same government takes you from Barrackpore to Sealdah for just ₹5, and the same government, with its unplanned projects, keeps our roads waterlogged for a whole week.

Even with all these problems, there are many fields where India truly shines and has secured its place on the world stage:

• Technology & Artificial Intelligence – 96% AI adoption rate, leading globally.

• Software Development – A global IT hub with giants like TCS, Infosys, Wipro.

• Space Technology – Successful Mars Orbiter Mission, low-cost space innovation.

• Defense & Aerospace – Indigenous missiles (Akash, Agni) and fighter jet (Tejas).

• Corporate Leadership – Indians as CEOs of Microsoft, Google, Adobe, IBM, etc.

• Healthcare – Indian doctors in demand worldwide, leading vaccine production.

• Startups & Innovation – Over 110 unicorns and 1.25 lakh startups, 3rd largest ecosystem.

• Mathematics & STEM – Consistent global success, rigorous academic training.

• Research & Development – 6th in global patent filing.

• ICT & Digital Growth – Leaping from 79th to 49th in Network Readiness Index.

• Pharmaceuticals – Known as the “Pharmacy of the World” for affordable generics.

• Finance & Banking – Strong role in fintech and global financial services.

• Education & Academia – Indians holding prestigious posts in global universities.

• Engineering – IIT/NIT graduates contributing to world-class projects.

• Arts & Entertainment – Music, dance, literature, and Bollywood recognized worldwide.

• Sports – World-class athletes in cricket, badminton, wrestling, Olympics.

• Diplomacy – Influential roles in international organizations, strong soft power.

• Agriculture – Innovations in food technology and sustainable practices.

My point is — just asking “Are we really independent?” will not solve problems. As citizens, we must take responsibility, hold accountable for our actions and spread awareness within our families. Encourage them to vote, and help them choose the right candidate — even if that person does not belong to a big political party.

We cannot force a minister to resign or force them to ban or giving away any government scheme (freebies). Our opinions matters the most at the polling booth. The only way to make this country great is to express our opinion where it truly counts.

I know in many places voting booths face violence and rigging, but instead of waiting for a miracle, we need to act. Believe it — it is we, our courage and mindset, that hold the power to turn this country into a developed nation. Today India is still developing, but one day it will be developed. And that depends completely on us — the ordinary citizens.

Lastly, I want to say 

“Main nahi manta humara desh duniya ka sabse mahaan desh hai.
Lekin yeh zaroor manta hoon ki hum mein kabliyat hai, taqat hai, apne desh ko mahaan banane ki…" -Mohan Bhargav in Swadess.

But despite all the flaws, inequality, and weak governance, this country will always remain the most beautiful one — in terms of its cultural and natural diversity.

"Sare jahan se accha Hindustan humara

Hum bulbulain hai iss ki yeh gulsitan humara"