A SACRED OCCASION

BHARAT DID NOT ACHIEVE FREEDOM IN A DAY. IT TOOK YEARS OF STRUGGLE BY MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO BRAVED BULLETS AND BATONS TO SHOW COLONIALS WITH SHEER DETERMINATION THAT THEY WOULD RID THEMSELVES OF THE SHACKLES OF SLAVERY. THE DESIRE FOR COMPLETE FREEDOM AND SELF-GOVERNANCE GAVE US AN INDEPENDENT BHARAT THAT WE NOW CHERISH AND AIM TO KEEP PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS

- PROF SANJAY DWIVEDI

On March 12, 2021, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Dandi Yatra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav from Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. We are blessed to live in this historic era of independent Bharat. We think that whenever such an opportunity arises, all pilgrimages unite. The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a similar sacred occasion for Bharat as a country. Innumerable freedom struggles, sacrifices, and austerities are being reignited simultaneously across Bharat on this occasion. It is an opportunity to honour those brave soldiers who continued to protect the nation even after Independence and who made supreme sacrifices to protect it. This is an occasion to pay homage to those virtuous souls who made progress in rebuilding Independent Bharat, laid every brick and brought the country to this point in 75 years. As we remember the time of slavery, when millions of people have been waiting for freedom for centuries, we realise the historical significance of 75 years of Independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed special emphasis on the five pillars of Amrit Mahotsav. These pillars are Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievement at 75, Actions at 75 and Resolve at 75. By keeping the dreams and duties of an Independent Bharat, these five pillars will inspire the way forward.

A nation’s pride only awakens when it teaches and instills the traditions of respect for itself and sacrifice in the next generation. A nation’s future is bright only when it continues to be proud of its past experiences and heritage. India has a rich history and conscious cultural heritage that it can take pride in. The occasion of 75 years of Independence will be nectar for the current generation. It is said in the Vedas –