SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Ajit John
“May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please but as the opportunity to do what is right”- Late Peter Marshall, Pastor, Chaplain of the US Senate
Independent India turns 74 on Saturday. The country like the rest of the world is battling with the virus that has taken tens of thousands of lives and the number of cases has crossed two million-plus. It is not a great time for anyone. Like everything the virus has touched, ideas of freedom are being debated. The old ways no longer seem tenable in this day and age.
August 15 is the day when the country gained independence from the British. The celebration of its culture, its unique rhythms, and what makes this country unique in the world has been a regular feature. The celebration of the physical geography of the country is par for the course and the celebration of that freedom that makes Indians amongst the most argumentative people in the world.
That may still be the case even post the virus but there are new notions of freedom being articulated. This virus has exposed man in all his shades. Man has helped man and man has also sadly ignored man, leaving them to their own pitiful state. The idea of humanity oversees notions of freedom and manmade concepts of countries. The virus does not see borders or artificial divisions in society. People in Goa have very interesting views on freedom at this point in time and with the virus running rampant, they were more than willing to articulate their positions.
Carlos Ferreira a legal luminary and the Ex-Assistant Solicitor Gen. of India felt freedom has suffered great casualty during Covid-19 pandemic. He said “ Whilst human rights have faced an onslaught merely by an Order under the DM Act and not even by any Constitutional Order promulgated by the President of India, the difficulties faced by the common people even to approach Courts for justice has taken a toll on the system. Whilst the fear of the pandemic has created many insecurities, yet the humane side of a large number of people cutting across regions and religions has brought about a new kind of camaraderie between people, often without even expectation in return”.
Nupura Hautamaki who was involved in providing assistance to thousands of migrants stuck in Goa unable to leave due to the virus said the last few months had given her much hope. She said “People were helping out wherever and whenever asked. It was heartbreaking to see these people like this and so many people who did not know each other stepped up and helped. Historically we all have believed in the notion of country, as something to feel proud about, celebrate our shared food, customs, etc. But again, we have also migrated historically, and hence we have Siddis, Afghan, Portuguese, etc ancestry too for a lot of Indians and now with interracial marriages on the rise even more so. Not to mention the amount of Indians who are more British, American, etc culturally with Indian ancestry being the only connection with the homeland. Sadly, this pandemic has bought forth more divisions too but also a lot of unity. As we approach 15th August, we should celebrate the concept of freedom more along the lines of how far as a nation we have come with all these races part of us and our history and how we have amalgamated it all, but still have also stayed in most cases still very multi-diverse and tolerant, instead of just talking about the Rafaeles and our borders, etc”.
Gautam Verlekar a local businessman felt the idea of freedom had always threatened people who governed. He said many fundamental rights were being trampled globally with leaders using the virus as an excuse. Gautam however pointed out that humanity had however put collaboration ahead of geography and territory. This he felt would be the growing trend in the future.
Subodh Kerkar sculptor and installation artist laughed mischievously when asked this question. He said “I was reading an article by Jiddu Krishnamurti who firmly believed that freedom was very personal. One could think, speak on one’s own terms. That is freedom. However, with the virus spreading, introspection is going on. Dictatorial regimes are using the virus to control people and suppress freedom. The virus has become the perfect Petri dish for these regimes. It is going to be a continuous battle between ideas of freedom I feel”.
Andre Shackleton a business consultant felt history was evidence of the fact that once in a while a disruption would take place and make everyone rethink what was normal. He said “It will also make us question what we take for granted. What comes out on the other side is evolution. By that extension, even look at evolution of freedom as we know it”.
The old ways will just not do, one will have to learn to move along as a team. Cartoonist and Ilustrator Smitha Bhandare Kamat said the virus pandemic had very much redefined everything but it had also knitted everyone together as one cutting across physical and man-made barriers. The freedom to do that without any compunction will perhaps be true freedom. Bringing out the humanity in everyone for the benefit of mankind will be true freedom.
Geographies and boundaries no longer confine concepts of freedom. It’s liberated by humanity.
