There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires – Nelson Mandela.
The late South African leader’s definition of what freedom means and how we will be finding ourselves put to the test over and over again – in respect to new threats, new challenges - before we can emerge successful, perhaps explains why freedom is a much-cherished word. What does the term mean to NIE students and teachers?
Freedom is the act of not enslaving a person or animal, having the power or right to speak, act and think as one desires. It is the ability to speak the truth without fear. Freedom is about being able to differentiate between right and wrong.
Manishka Mukhopadhyay, class IX, DPS Newtown, Kolkata
Freedom is self-governance, to be accountable and have a prominent voice which will be heard when required. I would like a freedom from war, inflation, dominance and chaos. Freedom does not mean a chaotic, wishful and irresponsible style of living. A person who desires freedom must not be scared to raise her/his voice and make a change when the time arrives.
Jishnu Bandopadhyay, classXI, Apeejay School, Kolkata
Freedom to me means leading my life on my terms and conditions. Freedom to wear what I want, eat what I like the most, criticise the governance if there is something unconstitutional in its functioning, and help those in need without bothering about the consequences.
Saurabh, class XII, Navy Children School, Delhi
It isn't just about being able to go out whenever you want or getting whatever you want. Freedom is being able to do what you love without having to think twice about what other people will say. Freedom is something we all deserve. But that doesn't mean we can go around making wrong decisions either. We need to develop enough maturity and understanding to know exactly what we want.
Samiksha Manoj, class X, AMM Matriculation School, Chennai
I crave for not just physical freedom but also freedom of the mind. I believe in speaking my mind. I seek freedom from the social bigotry that prevails in humanity. There are various religious practices that I don’t believe in, but am obliged to follow them. For me freedom is the ability to day no!
Akshat Sharma, class X, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula
I equate freedom with the ability to express my opinion… when I can follow any spiritual or religious belief of my choice. Freedom from corruption is the biggest need of the hour. This has been gradually gnawing at the progress of the nation. In post-Independent India, I would want to bring about a change in the current judiciary system. It has been years since new procedures were enforced. Isn’t it time to do away with the archaic legal system imposed by the British? There has been no sign of the use of information and communication technology. Lack of transparency too makes the judicial system prone to corruption.
Samarth Jain, class X, BGS National Public School, Bengaluru
What Our Teachers Say
With freedom comes responsibility. When we are given the right to choose, we also learn how to be responsible. For example, even though we have the freedom of speech we cannot simply go against the laws of the land or play with an individual’s sentiments… with this freedom we are given a responsibility to maintain decorum as well.
- Swagata Banerjee, Teacher, BDM International , Kolkata
Freedom comes with responsibility. These two concepts go hand in hand. Nowadays, children only want the freedom and not the responsibility that comes with it. They fail to understand that if you get something you must give something in return. While they are definitely aware of the freedom that they are given they are unaware of the responsibilities they have as Indians. It is for parents and teachers to take an active part in instilling this responsibility among them.
- Meena Kak, Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata
There is no freedom without responsibility. First, a person needs to be responsible enough to earn the freedom that he/she receives. If a person is irresponsible they can never truly be free.
- Moushumi Saha, National English School, Kolkata
Let us know what Freedom means to you in the comments below