Vande Mataram!

These are the words of our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on Indian Independence Day, 1947. Now after 61 years we are celebrating the joy of our Freedom, with the same zest and enthusiasm!

But what exactly does Independence mean to us?? After 61 years of free-life, where do we stand?? The onus and responsibility lies on us to protect the motherland for which many have laid their lives…Let’s thank all those who have given their blood and soul for the motherland and Salute all the Martyrs and Leaders who had the dream to live in Independent India!

15th August signifies hope of an India where unity and peace will continue to prevail .On this, Television Stars shared their views...

Alok Nath:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel that people like Abhinav Bindra make me proud to be an Indian.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: The pathetic politicians are a threat to India and its unity.

Your favorite leader in today’s era: Well what leaders? Who are they? I don’t see any leaders. I feel true leaders are people like Narayan Murthy, Ambani brothers and many others who have taken the nation a step ahead.

Message on Independence Day: I feel that Independence is sacred. In jungles animals have all the independence but it is very unfortunate that people are bound with laws and restrictions. In these restrictions one has to find independence. Let’s make this world a better place to be in.

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Sudha Shivpuri:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel that from the time we got independence till now, every field has progressed a lot. The conditions of women have seen a drastic change and I am happy about this.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: The endless personal fights that happen on issues regarding caste and creed is very bad. Everyone has a position to hold in life and people who are in a higher position in society should take their job more seriously.

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I don’t think I can name one, sabi hi mere favorite hai i.e. all are my favorite. I like Sonia Gandhi . I really like her because she is one female who has got Congress to the forefront.

Message on Independence Day: I feel that we need to understand and value the sacrifice of our leaders for the nation. We should always be united and never get into personal fights.

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel the love that people have towards each other and the sprit with which all the festivals are celebrated in this country is incredible.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: The ones who always try to divide people on the basis of caste and creed..   

                                                                 
Your favorite leader in today’s era: My favorite leader is Rahul Gandhi without any doubt.

Message on Independence Day: I feel that each individual should do something that makes India proud. Like in sports Abhinav Bindra has made India proud; in the same way I feel that in each field some one should do something so that India is proud of that individual.

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Aamir Ali:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I think that there are lots of things that make me feel proud and can’t state one. Things like the way we adapt to various culture and the way we are growing as a nation makes me feel proud. I feel that every country has certain bad points and India is no exception. But leaving that aside, I would say that I am a hard core Indian!!

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: I think it is dirty politics that screw up a lot of things. Just to get a vote bank, some people divide people on the basis of cast or creed which is very dangerous..

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I like Umar Abdullah for his honesty and Laloo Prasad Yadav for his smartness. Before I used to find Laloo ji funny and then I found him amazing and in couple of years I realized that he is a smart person who can turn losses into profits.

Message on Independence Day: Never think of dividing this country on the basis of caste, creed and culture. Just enjoy your freedom and live a happy life.

Jayati Bhatia:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I think I am born in this country and I am brought up the way I was. I feel that today my country is on a threshold where I see some of the younger generation having cigarettes and on the other hand, I also see some going to places of worship. I am seeing an amalgamation of both modern and traditional.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: Population and lack of education are the biggest threats to India's unity.

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I am totally and absolutely excited about Rahul Gandhi and Sachin Pilot.

Message on Independence Day: I think Independence for me is something where I want to express my views on Getting rid of pretence and show-off is what people should do! I feel most of us speak only in our houses, now its the time to go out and talk about your views.

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Dimple Jhangiani:

The one thing that makes you proud to be an Indian: I feel that India is very rich in culture. People live with unity and are always together.

The biggest threat to India and its unity, according to you: Westernization which might change Indian culture is the biggest threat..

Your favorite leader in today’s era: I can’t name any as I don't like any one. Everything is now full of corruption.

Message on Independence Day:  Happy Independence Day!! Let’s stop corruption and be loyal to our nation!!

Concept: Nishtha
Reporter: Ranjini Nair, Binita Ramchandani
Author: Nishtha