The concept of blissful enthusiasm comprises rigour, which emerges from conscious turmoil of thought and feeling. When this psycho-mechanical process does not stir us, we lose the nerve to participate and associate in any socio-cultural activity.
The youngsters of ‘Generation Next’ are accused of lacking the urge, which comes out of concordant initiatives and a natural erudite and patriotic public awareness.
A large section of the society is still unaware of the joy of celebrating India’s Independence Day and recalling the acts of bravery of our leaders.
Most of them perhaps take for granted the rights of citizens and hence do not feel obliged to value the sacrifices made by great leaders of the past.
Freedom celebrations in the 21st Century have failed to enthuse people in an earnest manner. The main reason for this is the apathy of visual media.
Television channels for the most part do not play a key role in telecasting shows or programmes on such important days. Instead, they rely on sensational stories and soaps to keep their ratings (and therefore advertising revenue) high.
It is unfortunate that respect towards freedom and national heroes is declining day by day. Today’s youngsters would plead ignorance if asked about the great Bhagat Singh but would readily narrate the names of guests at the birthday bash of their favourite film stars.
Another important reason for the lack of enthusiasm in youngsters is their preoccupation with other things, scarcely giving them time to comprehend the full significance of the Independence Day of their homeland.
In this transitional, progressing and unstable world of technology and competition, the youth contemplates any such patriotic event merely as waste of their precious time.
We are told that schools and colleges compel students to participate in Independence Day activities, without making them understand their significance.
Since youngsters are unaware and least interested in the celebrations of such important days, it is the basic responsibility of their parents to inculcate in them the value and the meaning of these functions and build their rudimentary concepts.
This small step will not only help the young in being informed about their country’s past but would also help them in becoming truly proud of their motherland.
Celebrating any national festival would be worthwhile only if all of us try to improve the society and weed out the evil present in India.
Tuhina Seth is a freelance journalist based in Auckland. Readers may send their views to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
