The nation and freedom exist for the sake of life, to carry life forward.

Happy Independence Day.

Wishing you an Independence Day that longs for true freedom — freedom that is felt, that is a heartbeat, beyond mere words.

Wishes for an independence day that is itself the state of not depending on anyone.

Wishes for freedom that is possible only to the extent that self-reliance is possible.

Know this: freedom is not just a word, not just a name — it is an experience, a state of being.

The nation and freedom exist for the sake of life, to carry life forward.

They exist for the sake of human beings, to carry human beings forward.

A country does not become a free country simply by writing the words “freedom” or “free” on the outside.

Remember — writing “sugar” on the label for decoration doesn’t turn chili powder into sugar.

Instead, freedom happens only when the people of that country are free of fear and are safe.

Instead, it happens when the people of that country make life a celebration, and when the country becomes a place that can make life a celebration.

Patriotism is not merely some outward chanting.

Patriotism is also a natural feeling and thought that blossoms spontaneously in people, arising in return when the country loves its people — when it gives them welfare, security, and a sense of safety.

If that happens, no one will need to tell people to love that country; they will simply end up loving it, unbidden.

Just as parental love isn’t something parents should expect back from their children without first giving their children love, affection, care, attention, and protection — patriotism is no different.

Those who govern the country should remember this.

People do not love their country so that rulers can celebrate, live, and act however they please.

Patriotism is not something rulers should try to manufacture by frightening people into tolerating their misconduct.

A country and its rulers that keep their own citizens in exploitation, fear, torment, and insecurity — that abandon their own citizens by frightening them, whatever the pretext — will not, in any case, be loved.

It is common for people, when a country makes them suspects and orphans them, to leave that country as suspects and orphans in return.

Patriotism is not something to be demanded — through intimidating glares and coercion — from poor Indians (upper-caste and Gujarati included) who, unable to make a living, without even minimal subsistence guaranteed, are forced to seek jobs and citizenship abroad.

Such helpless people have no use for the freedom we loudly celebrate — a freedom without abundance, one that remains confined to mere words.