The 79th Independence Celebration: The Concept of Freedom According to Generation Z Nowadays
In today's world, Generation Z (Gen Z) views freedom as more than just the absence of physical constraints. For them, freedom encompasses opportunity, the right to express oneself without fear, and equitable access to resources that allow everyone to thrive.
According to Gen Z, freedom means not having to overthink before speaking or fear social backlash. They advocate for safety and respect for all, not just the privileged, and opportunities that are not limited to the rich or well-connected. They believe in authentic self-expression free from manipulation by social media or advertising forces.
Moreover, Gen Z's approach to freedom is intertwined with their identity struggles and desires for acceptance. They seek to freely explore and express identities beyond traditional norms, though this can lead to feelings of insecurity when clear boundaries or societal roles are lacking.
Their patriotism, linked to freedom, manifests quietly through everyday actionsโsupporting local businesses, thoughtful voting, raising awareness on societal issues, and practicing kindness. They encourage self-reflection on what freedom means today, going beyond the events of 1947.
Tamil Nadu universities will adopt DigiLocker for storing students' academic records, in line with the National Education Policy. Meanwhile, Bengaluru, Karnataka, is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, with the Indian Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert in certain regions.
In a different context, some individuals feel that while they are technically free, they still deal with their own kind of constraints or challenges. Advertisement companies and social media, according to Chandni Shah, dictate how people should feel and express themselves, which is not complete freedom.
Hanish Sugandh suggests that patriotism should not be limited to temporary feelings of pride, but should involve carrying the country's past and shaping its future. For him, patriotism is personal and quiet, showing up in everyday actions like supporting local businesses, voting smartly, highlighting issues for the government to improve, or simply being kind.
Divya Rai, a content strategist, views patriotism as respect for those who protect the country, particularly the soldiers at the borders. The recent India-Pakistan tensions served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect the country, according to Rai.
Ritika, a representative of Gen Z, expresses that real freedom is when one does not have to overthink before speaking and is not afraid of being trolled or judged. Ritika Bhowmick, an investment banker, states that modern patriotism is about actions beyond August 15, such as voting, speaking up, paying taxes, and working towards improvement.
Graphic designer Chandni Shah states that the government, rich, and even the police have acted despotically towards the poor, and that opportunities are given only to the rich and powerful. Akash Singh, a college student, believes that true patriotism lies in fighting for justice and inclusion.
Hanish Sugandh, a social media manager, emphasizes the importance of understanding the real history behind struggles, sacrifices, and mistakes to foster patriotism. He suggests that we should remember the past to shape a better future.
This Independence Day, Gen Z encourages self-reflection on what freedom means today, going beyond the events of 1947. They believe that while India has moved past colonial rule, they are still striving for a different kind of freedom, one that allows them to be whoever they want and speak freely without fear or judgment.
- Gen Z views news about policy and legislation, especially those relating to education, as crucial for fostering equitable access to resources.
- In the realm of business, Gen Z seeks opportunities that promote sustainable living and education-and-self-development.
- India's home-and-garden sector has seen an increase in demands for eco-friendly products, aligning with the Gen Z's preference for sustainable living.
- While some are free to gamble in casino-and-gambling establishments, career-development and personal-growth opportunities are still limited for many, as Chandni Shah points out.
- War-and-conflicts have led to an increase in crime-and-justice issues, highlighting the need for discussions and solutions towards peace.
- Accidents can happen at any time, emphasizing the importance of being informed and prepared, a part of general-news that Gen Z values.
- Despite their expressed freedom of speech, Gen Z individuals still face online harassment; free from this fear is a key element of the freedom they seek.
- Some casino personalities have used their wealth and influence to contribute to positive changes in their communities, demonstrating that career development can lead to personal growth in unexpected ways.
- Gen Z believes that true patriotism doesn't just involve celebrating national events like Independence Day, but continuous efforts towards personal development and contribution to society.
