INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA 2024: ENVISIONING THE DREAM OF A SUJLAAM SUFLAAM BHARAT
An ode to 77 years of a legacy of perseverance, philanthropy and progress on the occasion of 78th Independence Day
Author – Srushti Sonawane
My baroque motherland, a panorama of holiness and grandeur, from its pious rivers and vast seas to the towering Himalayas and lush green forests, from the arid deserts of Kutch to the vibrant tea estates of Assam, from the serene valleys of Kashmir to the sun-kissed shores of Kanyakumari—I bow to your beauty, resilience, and heritage!
Our revered, sanctimonious motherland has given us everything: life, duty, leisure, and the privilege to call her our mother. From sports and education to infrastructure and agriculture, from transport and defence to the social and cultural fabric of our society, every aspect of our nation is woven with the threads of progress and empowerment. As we commemorate Independence Day 2024, we are not just celebrating our freedom but also saluting the indomitable warriors and legends who fought valiantly for the freedom of our descendants. For 77 years, we have voyaged together, building a legacy of new possibilities, keeping the wheel rolling. This sacrifice that led us into the dawn of 15th August, 1947, is not just a chapter in our history but a constant reminder of the promise we must uphold—a promise of a truly developed nation, reminding us of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Not gold, but only men can make, a people great and strong; men who for truth and honour’s sake, stand fast and suffer long.” Ashray Foundation proudly pays homage to these brave souls, the pioneers who sculpted our motherland into the sigil of hope and glory that it is today.
With the Independence Day theme 2024, our collective dream of a “Viksit Bharat” is not confined to mere economic growth; it envisions a holistic development that permeates every sector. We strive for an India where skill development, environmental stewardship, health, equality, and empowerment are not just goals but realities. This is the India we dream of—a land where every citizen can thrive and where our collective efforts propel us towards a future that honours the sacrifices of our past, unveils the true essence of Azadi ka Tiranga, and fulfills the promise of a vibrant, developed Bharat.
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Merging with the hues of our Tiranga:
As our Tiranga stands tall and proud with its saffron, white, and green, with the Ashoka Chakra standing out, we come together as an edifice of the independence bestowed upon us by our ancestors to carefully look after and surmount the legacy of pride, perseverance, philanthropy, and progress. As the saffron represents resilience and tenacity, like our soldiers looking out for us on land, air, and sea; the white represents peace, tranquillity, a hope of new beginnings, a promise of a better future, righteous living, and peaceful co-existence; the green represents prosperity and abundance; and the Ashoka Chakra stands as the quintessential sigil of mobility and progress, Ashray Foundation upholds these stark values through the various hues of our thematic areas, honouring our esteemed national Tiranga.
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The kesariya of courage and resilience:
The saffron in the Indian Tricolour, symbolizing courage, resilience, and valour, resonates deeply with the unwavering dedication of Ashray Foundation’s healthcare teams operating the ‘Sanjeevani MMU Clinic on Wheels.’ These frontline warriors navigate the most challenging terrains of Lahaul and Spiti and the remote reaches of Dahod, Narmada, and Patan, embodying the spirit of Chandrashekhar Azad’s “Inquilab Zindabad,” with a new definition of the longevity of our prosperous nation.
Much like the saffron hue that inspires us to face adversity with strength, our healthcare workers are the torchbearers of a “Viksit Bharat”—an India where equitable healthcare is not a distant dream but a living reality for all. Against formidable odds, including treacherous landscapes, a lack of connectivity, and the challenge of building trust within isolated communities, they persist with the same resolution that fuelled the fight for freedom. In this march towards a “Viksit Bharat,” our healthcare teams ensure that no one is left behind, delivering essential services to those who have long been overlooked. As they carry the truncheon of healthcare to every corner of the country, they not only reflect the courage symbolized by saffron but also contribute to the collective journey towards a truly developed and inclusive India, where every citizen enjoys the fruits of freedom and progress.
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The white opus of tranquillity and new possibilities:
The white in the Indian Tricolour, representing peace, truth, purity, and the promise of new beginnings, resonates deeply with Ashray Foundation’s mission to empower those with limited access to resources through skill development. This colour, symbolizing hope for a brighter future, mirrors our commitment to creating substantial livelihood opportunities for all.
Guided by the spirit of “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs), we believe in giving everyone a fair chance to thrive. Our initiatives, like Project Cheer Urja, are designed to uplift rural communities by transforming local resources into sustainable livelihoods. Programs like DDUGKY and PMKVY play a crucial role in this journey, offering extensive training and job support to ensure that the promise of a better future is not just a dream but a tangible reality. Our Beauty and Wellness initiative further contributes by providing vocational skills and yoga sessions, striking a balance between peace and development. Through these efforts, we echo the call for “Sarvodaya” (the upliftment of all) and work towards building a “Viksit Bharat,” where the ideals of peace, truth, and purity lead us to a more inclusive and prosperous future.
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The Emeralds of Our Prosperous Motherland:
The green in the Indian Tricolour, emblematic of prosperity, sustainability, fertility, and growth, finds profound resonance in Ashray Foundation’s environmental initiatives. Inspired by the principle of “Swadeshi”—promoting self-reliance through the use of local resources—Ashray Foundation has transformed the pine needles of Mandi from a dangerous fire hazard into a sustainable livelihood, turning local challenges into opportunities for growth. In Patan, our “Holiya” initiative addresses water scarcity through strategic flood management and groundwater replenishment, revitalizing agriculture, and ensuring the land’s fertility for future generations.
Furthering our commitment to environmental inclusivity, we engage in sustainable cattle rearing and provide holistic rural development amenities. These efforts ensure that the fruits of growth and prosperity extend to all, maintaining the delicate balance between development and ecological stewardship. The green in our flag thus transcends its symbolism, becoming a living testament to our pledge to foster a “Viksit Bharat,” where sustainability and progress coalesce inextricably.
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Putting the wheel in motion:
The principles of Ashray Foundation are innately linked with the Ashoka Chakra, the emblem of the “wheel of the law,” which embodies the vital concept that life flourishes through continuous movement and stagnation leads to decline. Mirroring this philosophy, we are committed to advancing social change in harmony with India’s ambitious vision of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
This vision transcends mere economic metrics; it represents a profound social mission dedicated to inclusivity, empowerment, and equitable access to education, healthcare, and opportunities. India’s significant strides—such as the Green Revolution, the expansion of the IT sector, and transformative digital initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI—demonstrate the efficacy of perpetual progress.
In our quest for energy independence, the development of Bharat Small Reactors and Modular Reactors represents more than just technological advancement; it’s a promise of a future where every home is lit, every industry empowered, and our environment safeguarded. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, offering free electricity through rooftop solarisation, is a testament to our ability to blend tradition with innovation, ensuring that even the most remote households bask in the light of progress.
Agriculture, the backbone of our nation, is being revitalized with a vision of self-reliance. The Ayushman Bharat scheme and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) further this trajectory, offering essential support to marginalised families and farmers. The push towards ‘Atmanirbharta’ in oilseeds and pulses is about more than just yields; it’s about restoring the pride of our farmers, giving them the tools and support they need to lead us into a future of food security and prosperity.
Education, too, is being reimagined. The new skilling initiative is not merely about training; it’s about unlocking the potential of our youth, preparing them to lead, innovate, and drive the global economy. And with the revised Model Skill Loan Scheme, dreams that once seemed out of reach are now within grasp as financial barriers are broken down.
In alignment with the dynamic essence of the Ashoka Chakra, Ashray Foundation’s initiatives embody a relentless pursuit of progress, ensuring that the wheel of development keeps turning and propelling India toward a future where every citizen can thrive and contribute to a truly developed nation.
A dream of a Sujlaam Suflaam Bharat:
As India strides forward with the vision of “Viksit Bharat,” we find ourselves in the midst of a transformative journey—one that unfurls our tricolour as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and prosperity. The independence day of India is not simply marked by the blueprint for economic growth but to formulate a narrative of a nation committed to ensuring that progress touches every life, going beyond a traditional flag hoisting ceremony to metaphorically raise “Har Ghar Tiranga.”
Reminiscing about the intrepid journey of our freedom fighters, their poetic courage will forever etch the memory of “Vande Mataram” in the hearts of every Indian. This journey towards a “Viksit Bharat” is a collective one, where every initiative is a step closer to the India our freedom fighters envisioned—a nation where progress is not a privilege but a shared promise, and where every unfurled flag is a symbol of the enduring spirit of our people. The drive towards creating a truly Sujlaam Suflaam Bharat shall forever burn our midnight oil towards the dawn of a new “Viksit Bharat”!
Jai Hind!