When we celebrate Independence Day on 15 August this year, we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence in the form of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which focuses on merging the best of tradition with the most modern, global outlook.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kick-started the ambitious program called Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to make India Vishva Guru (world leader) when it turns 100 in 2047, by looking at India’s rich cultural heritage, celebrating our unsung heroes, and setting an agenda for Independence 2.0. The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an intensive, countrywide campaign that will focus on citizen
participation, to be converted into a ‘Janandolan’, where small changes, at the local level, will add up
to significant national gains.
We all know that 2047 will be a watershed moment in India’s history, marking 100 years of Independence from colonial rule. The 75th Independence Day is the opportune moment to focus on India’s vision, the aspiration of India’s youth, and what India will be in the next 25 years.
India’s fabric has been woven by diverse linguistic, cultural, and religious threads, held together into a composite national identity. India’s shared history is the bedrock of its nationhood. This would be highlighted in ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. India writes in many languages and speaks in many more voices. In order to promote deeper inclusivity across the nation, regional languages will be highlighted and showcased. Emphasis shall also be on highlighting the positives of every region of India.
Under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ theme, the intent is to further the idea of a sustained and structured framework of connection between people of different regions of India. The Mahotsav will work to enhance interaction and promote mutual understanding between people of different states and Union Territories by conducting activities in the areas of language, learning, tangible as well as intangible culture and heritage, paving the way for a systematic process of mutual engagement and appreciation amongst people.
Talking about Vishwa Guru, we all know that a guru is someone who has the power to see greatness even in the lowest man and has the power to raise it’. Since the beginning of civilization, India has been the Guru for the whole world. When the whole world was groping in darkness, India was teaching about the identity of man with the Supreme. People from all around the world converged to India to gain from its priceless wisdom. Indeed, the country that showed the whole world its academic brilliance through Sushrutha, Kanad, and Aryabhatta deserves to gain the same pedestal of being ‘Vishwa Guru’ again.
Indian values have a treasure trove of beliefs that can change the entire world for betterment. From Ayurveda to Indian science, there’s more to India that the world needs to know, learn, and adopt.
Bharat can become Vishva Guru also because of its message of great love and great compassion for all. We believe in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world is one family. And now, is time that the entire world also imbibes the spirit.
During the one-year celebrations, India will also showcase its development over the last 75 years. We are aware that the country has grown significantly across all sectors. India’s development has been remarkable and holds great promise for the future. From space and technology to health and education, India’s growth story has been impressive and innovative across all sectors. The showcasing of our accomplishments since 1947 will surely instill a sense of pride in all of us.
The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an intensive, country-wide campaign that will focus on citizen participation, to be converted into a ‘Janandolan’, where small changes, at the local level, will add up to significant national gains.
One of the broad themes of the Mahotsav celebration is Ideas, Achievements, and Resolve. The idea is to celebrate the notion of India – being the ‘best in class in the social, political, and economic realm – shared by every Indian. Patriotism shall fill the air while commemorating milestones achieved by the nation. We have traversed a long way since Independence, and have a long way to go. Achievements in different spheres, for instance, Agriculture, Science, and Technology will be highlighted during the course of the events.
The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Design Centre being developed as part of the Museum complex at Red Fort (Delhi) shall stress upon indigenous products coming from all the states and UTs. Furthermore, resolves igniting of the challenger spirit in every citizen will be fostered, such as #RiseUp pledge across social media platforms. Programmes of similar nature will not just devote each individual towards the nation-building process, it will also aid Indians overcome challenges in their everyday life. Such an approach will further consolidate our achievements as a nation, and new dreams and opportunities will come to the fore.
From time immemorial, Indians have described their culture as ‘Human Culture’ (Manav Dharma/ Sanskriti). It has a universal appeal. The principle of ‘Unity in Diversity is the implicit law of nature, universe, and life. People belonging to diverse communities, speaking different languages, having different food, performing different customs harmoniously co-exist in India. Thus, the soul of the cultural heritage of India lies in the fact that it’s an all-embracing confluence of religions, traditions, customs, and beliefs. This, too, shall be highlighted in the Mahotsav.
And, finally, the celebrations will look at Independence 2.0.
Over the years, the notion of India has largely revolved around the diversity narrative. Keeping the larger vision for the nation in mind, both for contemporary times and for the future, the emphasis now lies on local manufacturing (‘Made in India’ and ‘vocal about local’). Before the nation approaches the global level, the creation of world-class products promoting investments and value pricing remains the focus. This shall lead to the establishment of a level-playing business ecosystem, keeping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind. Not only will sustainability remain a key, but increased participation of local craftsmen and artisans shall also be witnessed as well.
For a successful Independence 2.0, the sentiments of India’s rich cultural heritage will be tapped. All the aforementioned elements (such as Visva Guru Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat) will be imbibed in spirit while implementing this vision. Along with imbibing ethos, marketing battles will also have to be fought in the fast-evolving consumer world. Once this is achieved, then the same ethos will be carried at the globular stage – with Indian products competing across international categories.
On this Independence Day, let’s take a pledge to walk on the path towards the long-awaited aspiration of India as a Nation of the Future.
