Freedom is a very subjective Concept. What may constitute an aspect of freedom to you may not be so for say our neighbors. But in our hearts we all know the essence of this term even though we may not be able to articulate properly.

So instead of ranting off about independence and freedom- both elusive expressions, we spoke to people who matter the most- the youngsters of our nation. States Jinu J a Journalism student, “freedom is about having the power to say no. it is not about doing this or that.

If you can say no to whatever you want then you are free.” Well said but is it not about choices? She answers, “see, I am the youngest in my family so I do not have my way very often but it is still ok”. Her friend, Neha from Biotech agrees with her. Says she, “my father had insisted that I take Biotech as my career option. I don't know if I would have chosen it on my own. But because he insisted, I had to take it up.” And what does freedom mean to her? “To me it is about doing what you feel like considering it does not hamper with the lives of others. As my father insists, it is about making your decisions.”

According to Samrina Mahatab, “if you can speak to your mind then you are free. Since I belong to a very close knit family, I was given enough rope to say what I felt like. Of course there are certain limits that I have to respect but that is not an issue with me.” Her friend from South Africa, Sundarmbar S feels, “Freedom is about your will power and how you use it. You have to fair and that's something that I have learnt from my father. Although his say is final we do voice our opinions.” That is what the youth has to say about their views on freedom. As Smitha from Chennai put it aptly, “you are free the moment you believe in yourself and trust your judgment. When you do not look outside your self for support you are independent.”