Erich Fromm, in his 1941 book, The Fear of Freedom, had differentiated ‘freedom from’ – emancipation from restrictions – and ‘freedom to’ – being free to express oneself. By doing so, he highlighted the need for every open, liberal society to have ‘freedom from’ balanced by ‘freedom to’ so as to not fall into the extremes of an anarchic and a nanny state. Our approach to freedom has been, for reasons that may stem from being subjugated by colonial rule for a long period, on the conservative side. Much of the mainstream sees ‘too much freedom’ lurking in true liberalism. Thus the usual comfort sought and readily found in the mai-baap state.
Younger, smarter Indians see innovation and creativity as much more than just buzzwords that need elbow room to be freely conducted without priggishness or thought policing. Whether they find it here in India or abroad, these Indians know the genuine value in freedom of thought and action. Whether in business or following other pursuits, ‘being free’ is a key, non-negotiable ingredient to being cutting-edge. Honing independence of thought and action to create an active knowledge economy and make originality a default condition means encouraging breaking out of the herd. This task is quite the opposite of what entities like governments would encourage. So, freedom and celebrating freedom will have to come from India’s private space populated by individuals. Celebrating Independence Day need not be restricted to celebrating India’s independence. It should also be about praising, hurrahing freedom that every adult in this free country should be steeped in.
