Independence Day: Television stars discuss what freedom means to them and how they celebrate the day

In India, people from various ethnicity, customs, and religions rejoice and celebrate Independence Day. Since 1947, we have celebrated Independence Day on August 15 to commemorate our liberation from British control following over 200 years of slavery. It's a public holiday. The Indian government also plans a celebration event on the Rajpath in New Delhi, where people assemble to hear the address of the prime minister. By honoring this day, we pay tribute to all the martyrs who gave their lives to secure India's independence.

Bigg Boss 15 famed contestant Ieshaan Sehgaal said, "It's a beautiful poem that says you need to express yourself freely to have a better version of your country.  I would encourage people to listen to the song and be inspired by it. For me, freedom means being yourself, making your own decisions, and putting them into action to effect change. My first favourite freedom fighter is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.  He led the Indian National Army in demonstrating India`s power to the British.  'Give me your blood, and I will give you freedom,' he said famously.  Second, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the greatest leaders of all time.   Trying to get rid of that permission and allowing myself to do and push for what I want - without being told they can - is probably the most important thing we need to change as a society.

Pakkhi Hegde, Rajjo's star, stated, "Indian citizens experience feelings of nationalism and brotherhood on Independence Day.  People in India pay tribute to fallen war heroes and freedom fighters.  Despite many struggles and hardships, Rani Lakshmi Bai fought for the nation's freedom.   Feel free to express whatever is on your mind. Enjoy the free state of mind. Live freely and let others' pets, animals, and all living beings also feel the same freedom. To me, freedom means daring to take risks, fully trusting myself, and following my heart, removing all mental boundaries and constraints. With freedom comes enormous responsibility to think and act wisely."

Actress Kanchan Gupta, from ‘Anandiba Aur Emily’, said, "I make parathas on that day and anyone can come and eat them, meaning I put a message to the people I know and any of them can come and eat them.  This day is only for the service of the country, so as soon as I serve the people around me, I feel happy. The most patriotic song that I like is "Ab Tumhare Havale Watan Sathiyo".  As soon as I hear this song, I get tears in my eyes because I feel that at that time, our freedom fighters fought for us and got their country free. When I hear this song, I feel that if we are doing our work properly, someone will remember us like this tomorrow. Out of all the freedom fighters I know, my favourites are Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose, because of their way of fighting.  Bhagat Singh quickly realized that he could make any country his own. For me, freedom comes with a lot of responsibilities like becoming a good citizen, or in whatever field you are working in, your country's interests are yours to keep.

Himanshi Khurana, a Bigg Boss 13 celebrity, expressed, "On Independence Day, I believe everyone—including myself—feels a sense of pride.  Take at least 10 minutes out of your day to consider the state of our country and what we can do to improve it. Rani Lakshmi Bai was an outstanding freedom fighter.  She was also very inspiring in a variety of ways. I enjoy listening to Vande Mataram.  It not only expresses freedom but also provides a sense of independence. I associate freedom with opportunity. The opportunity to express ourselves, to make mistakes, to dream, and to see our dreams come true. We don't wait for someone to give us freedom; we earn it and then fiercely defend it.