Meaning of 15th August in today's scenario

15th August comes every year. From last 63 years, we celebrate it as our Independence day in the form of various functions held at various levels. But, question should be asked whether this day still hold some significance in our hearts today. Do we still give the same respect to this day as was initially? Do we really understand what 15th August means to us? For me, it was just another day. More, it was a Sunday, a day to have lots of fursat and wake up late. So, I woke up late and started following my usual routine, then realized it is 15th August. It was already 11'O clock. Outside the flat, atmosphere was not much different. Prime minister's address to the nation had been over some 3 hours back. So, whatever he has said, was followed through the scrolls of news channels. There was a time, when prabhat pheris were passed through the streets shouting slogans of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" etc. There was so much enthusiasm in those childhood days to go to school, to deliver a speech on independence struggle and take part in all activities of independence day celebrations. It seems now-a-days, this has been shrinked a bit. Now independence day celebrations are a kind of entertainment, and independence day another holiday. As was with various cable channels today, where "aazadi" was being sold to the watchers as an entertainment commodity whole day. In those days, from the early morning, patriotic songs like "Jahan Dal Dal par....", "Mere desh ki dharti....", "Yeh desh hai veer...." etc. were played. Lime particles were spread along the sides of streets. A lot has been changed now. But we, as the citizen of free India, should introspect what this freedom means to us, how we belong to our country. In last 63 years, India has progressed in many areas. However, a lot still needs to be done. Kashmir is again burning. Naxalism is there. Nothing has been changed for a large portion of population. Farmers still suicide (and how system makes mockery of them, watch "Peepli Live"). They are sidelined in the current economic development of the country. Our education system is a mess. We still fight in the name of cast, language and religion and so on. It is very much important to tell young generation about the value of this freedom and how it was attained. It is very much required to create a sense of belongingness in them for the country. Country has already paid a huge cost for this freedom. Now, we can't pay more.

"Jinhe naaz hai Hind par, woh log kahan hein ....?"