Today, as our nation celebrates Independence Day, the tricolour will flutter proudly across every corner of the country. We will sing the National Anthem, remember the sacrifices of our Freedom Fighters and speak of the priceless gift of Freedom.
But amid the celebrations, there is a question that deserves to be asked – What does Freedom mean to the ordinary citizen? To me, Freedom is not confined to a date on the calendar or a flag hoisted once a year. Freedom must be experienced every moment, every single day.
Freedom to me is when a child in the remotest village of Kodagu receives quality education in a government school.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela
Freedom to me is when a mother does not fear for a life because the nearest health center lacks doctors or emergency care.
Freedom to me is when people can travel on safe roads throughout the year, not roads that disappear with every monsoon.
Freedom to me is when drinking water, electricity and basic infrastructure are not privileges but a basic right to infrastructure.
Freedom to me is when a woman can walk fearlessly on the streets alone, at every hour without looking over her shoulder or fearing for her safety.
Freedom to me is when a girl can dream without being told that her dreams are too big, too ambitious or unsuitable for her.
Unless a human has the talents to make something of themselves, freedom is an irksome burden. – Eric Hoffer
Freedom to me is when a poor family can enter a government hospital with hope, not fear that they will be turned away because they cannot afford treatment.
Freedom to me is when farmers can work in their land with dignity and receive a fair return for their labour.
Freedom to me is when young people can find meaningful opportunities in their homeland instead of being forced to leave in search of a future.
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. – Nelson Mandela
Freedom to me is when elderly can live with dignity and security without feeling forgotten by society.
Freedom to me is when a person can speak the truth, question authorities and raise their voice against injustice without fear.
After all Gandhi pleaded for freedom of speech, a free press and pure justice, independence of judiciary and complete civil liberty; he also included right to legal counsel and defence as part of civil rights. He believed in economic and spiritual freedoms.
Freedom to me is when corruption does not decide who gets service, an opportunity or justice.
Freedom to me is when our government schools have the infrastructure our children deserve, and our public health centres have the doctors, medicines and facilities people depend upon.
And for Kodagu freedom is also the right to development without losing the land, forests, rivers and culture that make this place unique.
As we celebrate our nation’s progress, Kodagu continues to wait for many of these basic necessities. Ironically when people ask for better roads, better government schools, well-equipped Hospitals and reliable public services, discussions often revolve on innocuous projects such as glass Bridges, railway lines destroying the forest and other proposals that raise genuine concerns about Kodagu’s fragile environment.
Development should never become a race for headlines. It should become a promise fulfilled for ordinary citizens. Kodagu is not asking for extravagance. It is asking for dignity and a secure identity. The Nation derives it’s strength from the slogan – UNITY IN DIVERSITY.
This land has given India fearless soldiers, hardworking farmers, life-giving rivers and forests that breathe for generations beyond our own. Yet, the people who protect this land continue to wait for the basics that every citizen of an independent nation deserves.
On this Independence day, let us not reduce patriotism to speeches and celebrations. The greatest tribute we can offer our freedom fighters is to build an India where no citizen feels forgotten. Let us celebrate not only the freedom we inherited, but also the responsibility we carry.
Because the true measure of Independence is not how loudly we shout “Jai Hind”…..it is whether every citizen can say, with pride and without hesitation “my country has not forgotten me”. Only then will Independence Day be more than a celebration. So today, as we salute our national flag, let us also salute the values it represents – justice, equality and responsibility. True Independence will be realised only when every citizen of Kodagu can proudly say “my freedom is reflected not only in the flag above me, but in the quality of life around me”. That will be the greatest tribute we can offer to those who gave us freedom.
Independence is not simply freedom from foreign rule. It is freedom from fear, deprivation, injustice and neglect. Also, our freedom requires us to protect and retain our identity by retaining the inherited ancestral lands and practicing our customs and traditions so that future generations, do the same.
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Beautiful trilogy of articles with introduction of many unsung heroes of our independence struggle.
My interest is increasing to visit the land of history and coffee ..Kodagu and understanding more about the Kodava Culture and heritage.
I am overwhelmed and honoured with the varied and erudite responses to my rather personal expression on what freedom means to me.
The suggestions of – icon for the youth to look up to by ponnappa, the need for solid leaders and people with proven skills and networking abilities to hold the community (that should include all who follow the way of life) together by Appanna, the views by a youngster Thrisha (which we should value enormously that the progress we pursue must respect the land and heritage we inherited and ensure that future generations can inherit the same, the need for unity in diversity, along with education, jobs need to be created and made available by T.G. Rajesh, inclusive leadership by Appaiah and so much more...
CLN’S platform for sharing views is an important milestone which our youngsters in particular should use to share their views to shape the future of kodagu.
Keenly follow all that Ms Mamatha Subbaiah writes – always very sensible, sensitive and relevant. In a recent conversation with her we spoke about the declining stature of our leaders – known and self-appointed, and the dire need for “icons” that the youth could look up to and emulate.
As a community we seem to rise to the occasion when the situation demands unified action and then the same camaraderie seems to fall apart in everyday life. Take the proceedings in Community Organisations which are meant to represent the current and future needs of the land – to retain identity and relevance. Unity is a lost cause. As was rightly stated in previous comments – we need to work hard and stay united in resolve to retain what freedom means to us – as a Community, District, State and Nation.
In this context, we discussed the concept of an unique system in Japan of Living National Treasures.
Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō) is a Japanese popular term for those individuals certified as Preservers of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (重要無形文化財保持者, Jūyō Mukei Bunkazai Hojisha) by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as based on Japan’s Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties (文化財保護法, Bunkazai Hogohō). The term “Living National Treasure” is not formally mentioned in the law, but is an informal term referencing the cultural properties designated as the National Treasures.
The Japanese government provides a subsidy. The number of Living National Treasures in existence is a maximum of 116, and if there are 116 Living National Treasures, no person with any outstanding skills will be newly designated as a Living National Treasure unless a vacancy occurs due to death.
https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2023/8/9/living-national-treasures-the-link-between-past-present-and-future
It’s probably time to institute such a process, making the resolve in setting up a much needed Community Organizations like The Akhila Kodava Samaja to be more effective and professional.
The past is a foreign country,’ is a famous LP Hartley quote. This could apply to Kodagu also, considering the 1956 misadventure.
Not many people know that that in 1947, India came perilously close to becoming several foreign countries. Birth of a Nation: The Twenty-One Days that Made India, a new book reminds us that besides partition another battle, less blood-spattered but no less significant, was being fought to prevent the Balkanisation of India. The then transfer of power did not simply divide the subcontinent into India and Pakistan. It also freed 565 princely states from British rule, leaving it to their rulers to decide their future. These states covered 40 per cent of the subcontinent’s landmass and were home to nearly a quarter of its people.
Under the aegis of Sardar Patel, “A small group of Indian officials gathered in New Delhi for the critical mission of completing the jigsaw puzzle of India. They were tasked with accomplishing in weeks what usually takes decades, if not centuries—nothing less than the creation of an independent nation.” These were the men who built the republic.
All of the above is relevant for Kodagu today too – we need solid leaders and people with proven skills and networking abilities to hold the community (that should include all who follow the Kodava way of life) together for a united identity and retention of everything that makes us who we are. This is applicable for all small communities to preserve their uniqueness and live upto what makes this country great – Unity in Diversity.
I read a very interesting review from Vivek Menezes the gist of which is as follows – “The youngest generation of Indian voters has suddenly made its presence felt, and showed its mettle on the streets and on social media, while amply demonstrating it will not accept the same old degraded status quo their elders survived in abject silence. History has already turned decisively in their direction…”
Sunday op/Ed in O Heraldo: https://www.heraldgoa.in/edit/the-future-is-now/485525/
Reading the comments of an older profile of CLN readers and also an announcement of an always welcome new book on Kodavas…..
FROM OUR ELDERS. FOR OUR YOUNGSTERS. FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
FROM THE GENERATION THAT PRESERVED IT TO THE GENERATION THAT MUST CARRY IT FORWARD.
A legacy documented for the generations yet to come
…..it is extremely important for the community to involve the youngsters and seek their opinion as to how they see the challenges ahead in the pursuit of preserving our culture. Elders can prescribe, but in this age of momentary attention and alternatives, the youngsters have to be convinced about the way forward.
Independence Day greetings to all. Thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy of articles – very uniquely presented and worth every word that I read.
Good to see a platform being made available by CLN Online to share views and also express what we think is good for Kodagu.
The sincere simplicity of Mamatha Subbaiah’s message was touching. And also, the concept of a trilogy – must take a lot of effort. Well done CLN!
A thoughtful and deeply grounded reflection on what freedom must mean beyond ceremony. The most powerful idea here is that independence is incomplete if ordinary citizens still live with fear, deprivation, poor public services or a sense of being forgotten. I especially appreciated the balance between development and preserving Kodagu’s land, forests, rivers and cultural identity. Patriotism is ultimately measured not only by the flag we raise, but by the dignity with which our fellow citizens are able to live beneath it.
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A very powerful reminder of what Independence should truly mean. For Kodagu, however, freedom also means having the right to protect our ancestral lands, forests, rivers, culture and traditions while seeking the development and opportunities our people deserve.
We should not have to choose between development and preserving our identity. The progress we pursue must respect the land and heritage we inherited and ensure that future generations can inherit the same Kodagu we are proud to call home.
At a time when decisions about Kodagu’s future matter more than ever, this is a message worth remembering and, more importantly, standing up for. A timely reminder that protecting Kodagu is not resisting progress, it is taking responsibility for the kind of progress we leave behind.
Jai Hind!
Freedom to me is freedom from corrupt, over-bearing, arrogant politicians and bureaucrats; to be governed by caring, knowledgeable persons who genuinely have the welfare of the country and citizens at heart as their purpose-in-life
One of the most famous and celebrated patriotic poems about India written by a prominent poet is “Saare Jahan Se Achha” (1904) by the legendary philosopher and poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Saare jahan se achha, Hindustan hamara,Hum bulbulein hain iski, yeh gulsitan hamara.
(Better than the entire world is our Hindustan, our own, We are its nightingales, and it is our garden, our own.)
Very interesting Trilogy of articles and I am reminded of another quote from the author’s repository, in this instance Eric Hoffer:
Unless a man has the talents to make something of himself, freedom is an irksome burden.
As freedom fighters, we had a common purpose and the best in every field joined in the challenge. People were prepared to sacrifice their savings, women their jewellery, spend time in jail and ensure that the end purpose of attaining freedom was achieved.
Is it the same now that we have had 75+ years of freedom? It is shocking that around 46% of members in the Lok Sabha and 32% in the Rajya Sabha face declared criminal cases, with nearly a third facing serious charges like murder, rape, or kidnapping, according to reports by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). States like Telangana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand regularly report high numbers of lawmakers with pending cases.
On a lesser scale of doomsday analysis, in Kodagu, can we say that our present day leaders – political, district administration and various community leaders are of the same stature that we had at the time of securing our independence – First part of the Trilogy. We have the privilege of exceptional retired and serving Armed Forces personnel, Corporate leaders, Sportsmen, Bureaucrats, Legal luminaries and many more talented and educated members of the community. How much do they participate in the affairs of the community at Samajas, Sports Bodies and other public fora?
In 1942 when the Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) was formed with a healthy mix of grass roots level leaders (Thakkas), Community Samaja representatives, Bureaucrats and leading professionals – especially legal experts, there was PURPOSE and clarity with widespread participation from all members of the community. It is time that the AKS is strengthened with the right mix of talent, stature and grass roots participation. The Kodava community and Kodagu needs a solid platform to codetermine priorities and contribute and demand performance from public servants at all levels.
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The officer in the down right corner is my daughter Flying Officer Kshama Poonacha. Proud to see her photo placed with great defence top officers. Thanks for sharing.
All three articles are relevant and uniquely presented to the reader with different perspectives. In particular, Ms Mamatha Subbaiah’s down-to-wart captures one’s imagination. The article beautifully reminds us that freedom is not merely the celebration of Independence Day, but something that every citizen should experience in everyday life through education, healthcare, safety, dignity, justice and equal opportunities.
I particularly appreciate how the article brings the discussion closer to Kodagu and highlights the need for development that does not come at the cost of our forests, rivers, ancestral lands and cultural identity. The message that development should serve people rather than merely create headlines is especially relevant.
The concluding thought is powerful — the true measure of independence is whether every citizen can feel that the country has not forgotten them. A timely reminder that while we celebrate the freedom we inherited, we must also accept the responsibility of protecting it and making it meaningful for future generations.
A sincere and courageous reflection on what freedom should truly mean. I would like to add one last heartfelt thought – Along with education, jobs need to be created and made available – else it is a total let down for our youngsters and parents who have often mortgaged their assets to fund the childrens future.
🇮🇳 Jai Hind!
A thoughtful article and a good way of looking at what freedom really means in everyday life.
I liked that it goes beyond the usual Independence Day discussion and talks about education, healthcare, farmers, opportunities and protecting Kodagu’s environment and culture. These are things that affect ordinary people directly.
Thank you, CLN, and the author Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah for bringing this out at the right time, and thanks to the author for sharing such a simple and relevant perspective. Sometimes it is good to pause and think about what freedom actually means in our daily lives.
This one really made me pause.
I liked the simple thought that freedom is also about a child getting a good education, a family having access to healthcare, a farmer getting a fair return for his hard work, and Kodagu growing without losing its forests, rivers and identity.
Reading this brought back memories of my school days in Madikeri. Those hills, roads and familiar surroundings were just a part of everyday life for us back then. We probably never stopped to think how lucky we were to grow up in a place like that. It is only years later that you realize how precious those simple memories are.
Thank you, CLN, for such a timely Independence Day article, and to the author for putting these thoughts together so beautifully. It is a good reminder that freedom is not just about the flag we celebrate, but also about the kind of life we create and the place we leave for those who come after us.
A very timely and thought-provoking reflection on what Independence truly means. True freedom means having access to education, healthcare, justice, dignity, safety and equal opportunities, while being able to speak, question and participate without fear.
Independence gave us the right to govern ourselves, but it also placed upon us the responsibility to build a society where no one is left behind. The real tribute to our freedom fighters is not just remembering their sacrifices, but ensuring that the freedom they fought for each and every citizen. When dignity replaces deprivation, justice replaces fear, and opportunity is available to all, the spirit of Independence becomes truly meaningful.
Happy Independence day to all.
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The “secular” existence, carefully curated and preserved by our ancestors, is slowly and visibly disintegrating across the land – Kodagu is no exception. Kodavamme thrived because of the integrated and secular leadership that Kodavas provided.
In all our festivals and celebrations, all Kodava Bhashikas were carefully integrated into every aspect of our celebrations. As an example, take the Bodenamme at Chembebeloor – conducted with panache by the elders of the community from time immemorial.
As an extension to Ms Mamatha Subbaiah’s heartfelt article, we should not cast aside the Unity in Diversity philosophy. There will always be elements who provoke and sow seeds of disharmony. These elements should be firmly brought under control and discarded. The future of Kodagu and the Kodava identity depend on our secular existence with mutual respect and communal harmony.
Very moving! The silent national anthem. Brings tears to one’s eyes.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcDAD7ZsIPI/
Celebrating Independence with the Right Colours….
And between the Sky and the Mountains, a simple reminder—
Freedom is not merely something we inherit;
it is something we must continue to nurture.
Happy Independence Day. IN
Shot in Coorg, Karnataka, August 2026
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There is a thought that most things last for three generations: the first builds, the second preserves, and the third takes them for granted.
Perhaps this applies to Indian Independence too.
That is where the danger lies.
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Well said, Mamatha.
“My country has not forgotten me”.
“My freedom is reflected not only in the flag above me, but in the quality of life around me”.