Freedom Fighters- independence day series part ii

As years unfurl and history adds chapters to the story called India, there are those with frail bodies and misty eyes eagerly awaiting the Independence day. Having fought nail and tooth for independence from the imperial rule, they are those who brought a nation to life.

Pratima Kaushik who spent two months imprisoned along with her two brothers in Lahore for the cause is one of them. She fondly remembers" moments spent in jail feverously singing patriotic songs with the hopes of a free India". She was at the India Gate when the country got its independence."When the flag was unfurled, we sang patriotic songs, ate halwa; we were escatic as a family."she recollects.

Captain SS Yadava, a 93 year old freedom fighter served in the Indian National Army (INA) from 1942-45. So what does independence mean to him? He responds promptly," it means an opportunity to work selflessly for the nation and serve its people." His bright eyes soon turn dull as he says,"but where is that seen today? Today no one can get their work done without corruption."

Bel Bahadur, an octogenarian freedom fighter, was only 18 when he enrolled in the INAs Rangoon Training Centre.Reminiscing the days of the freedom struggle he says,"a lot of sacrifices have gone into the gaining of our country's independence and this must be always remembered."

Bahadur reflects that over the years, the citizens love and patriotism for the country has declined,

"Petty politics is the reason that today no one heeds the nation or serves its needs," he adds.

Padma Bhushan, Shashi Bhushan, was the youngest security prisoner in Lahore prison.He says,

"everyone fought for freedom with great enthusiasm, today the development we see is the fruit of that very fight."

For him on Independence Day, " the story of freedom struggle - the story about whip lashes and chains must be told to inspire the future generations.