India will celebrate its 65th Independence Day in the next 24 hours, and with every passing year the idea of freedom is probably one thing that undergoes a constant change. For some it might be women empowerment, while for some the distant dream of being a developed country. But, for a majority it might not be all that complicated. Hyderabadis have also geared up to calculate the freedom quotient this years and here’s a rundown on a few events initiated by different groups.
Freedom Under Construction
Freedom under Construction is a citizens’ movement started in 2006 by Bhumi, a city-based NGO. It was born from a realisation that destiny of India is made from the destiny of her citizens. In a quest for what freedom means to the common mass, members of Bhumi set out on a 10-day walk in the outskirts of the city. The walk started on August 4 by a group of 10 Bhumi members and a few volunteers in and around areas like Gandipet, Moinabad, Meerpet, Shameerpet, Ghatkesar, among others.
The main objectives, however include, connecting with citizens, witnessing and experiencing freedom at individual and team levels and discuss on ways to improve the realisation of freedom by everyone. The group interacted with to students in engineering colleges, residents of villages, Gram Panchayats and sarpanchs in these villages.
“We asked every person we met, what freedom meant to them. And at the end of the 10-day walk we realised, all that people want is safety or security and well-being. Simple people with simple needs,” says Dasanna M, a member of Bhumi. He further says, “Apart from learning about them, we realised why people walk. It is such an amazing feeling to learn while you walk. We wanted to mobilise people through this walk, as at the end of the day, it is important that people should feel responsible towards their country. Though there are many loopholes, but the fact that we are on the right track is a positive sign.”
To culminate this 10-day walk, a citizen’s march will be held at People’s Plaza from 8 pm and will conclude at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station by 11:30 pm. Then there will be a candle light vigil exactly at 12 midnight, which will be followed by a clean up drive at the bus stop.
The mass will re-assemble on the morning of August 15 for flag hoisting, after which citizens will paint the walls of the bus stop with social messages and relevant paintings. At 2 pm, there is a session — Constitution Cafe, a talk on freedom and citizen responsibility towards achieving a dream nation.
For enquiries or participation contact: 9849211083/9966550862
Union Across Borders
Confederation of Voluntary Associations (COVA) in association with Mahita, NAPM, UFRTI and Youth TRAC and United Forum of RTI Activists is organising India-Pakistan joint celebrations for Independence: “Union across Borders: Exploring Commonalities’ on August 14 and 15 at Gandhi Darshan, Exhibition Grounds in Nampally.
Prominent personalities of Hyderabad from different fields, who have been to Pakistan will share their experiences. The events include competitions for both school and college students on poster and slogan display, speeches and plays by students on the theme of “Beyond War and Violence”.
For further details, contact: 040-24572984
Freedom Art 65
As part of the 65th Independence Day, artist Rambabu will be painting 65 Indian flags on 65 T-shirts within 65 minutes. Witness this patriotic art tribute from 4 pm onwards today at Shilparamam, Madhapur. For more details, contact: 040-64518164
Satyameva Jayate
Show — Truth
A panel discussion and interactive session with the audience to take a peek into the current political context which leads to production of shows like Satyameva Jayate and reactions to it. This show is a lens to zoom into the contemporary socio-cultural and political economic paradigms people are living in. Panelists will open up various points of discussion about the show and its context.
This panel discussion is being held today, from 7 pm onwards.
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