Celebrating Independence?

It's 15th August again & we seem reminded of the notion of independence! We send wishes around; we distribute sweets & take a happy day off from work!!

While all this is good & adds aura to the day, I continue to wonder on the notions of Freedom & Independence. So many, around the world, have sacrificed their lives (& many still continue to) for the cause of "Independence". The notion is rightly depicted by Andrew (Robin Williams) in "Bicentennial man" when he sets out on his path to freedom; "Great wars have been fought for freedom", so he begins. As the movie highlights', "Freedom" is freedom for will and willful existence, & not freedom that is derived from boundaries.

It's only fitting that we take this day to remember all those great souls and their selfless acts for the cause of our independence. The freedom we enjoy is bestowed by them. It's their spirit we ought to celebrate.