Independence Day: Here’s how entrepreneurs and celebrities view freedom amid the pandemic

Every year, when the prime minister arrives at Delhi’s Red Fort to mark the arrival of another Independence Day and the flag unfurls and billows in the wind, a spirit of pride and patriotism fills the land.

Even this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic raging through the country and restricting celebrations, India is awaiting the momentous day when it shows love and devotion to the homeland.

But there’s a huge difference this year.

People are now viewing freedom with new eyes and a new perspective. After so many long and arduous months of lockdowns, tragedies, and fears, the future continues to look bleak for many citizens. The spirit of resilience intrinsic to India seems to be flailing in the face of adversity and hardships.

On the 73rd year of India’s Independence, let us make it a day of reflection. What will we do differently in a post-COVID era? How has our concept of freedom changed in the light of so much loss of liberty? What memories do we hold close to our heart of Independence Day celebrations of the past?

In an interaction with entrepreneurs and celebrities, YSWeekender discovered that this is the time for new ways of looking at life and special occasions like Independence Day.

Here’s what some of them had to say about the changing tides of circumstance and the true meaning of freedom….

‘Freedom is the liberty to live on my own terms’

Rahul Aggarwal, CEO and Founder, Coffeeza

What does freedom mean to you in these times of the pandemic?

Freedom, to me, is not letting any insecurities, fears, or worries “hijack” my life and the liberty to live life on my own terms.

Do you have any memories of a special Independence Day celebration?

As a kid, growing up in Delhi, my parents used to take me for the flag hoisting at the Red Fort.

What would be the best advice you would give to your countrymen on this Independence Day?

Don’t let misconceptions or outdated thinking hold you back. Learn to challenge status quo and answers will emerge. Live and let live.

‘Freedom is about having options’

Sujayath Ali, Co-Founder, ShopUp, Voonik

What does freedom mean to you in the time of the pandemic?

I am away from my home due to COVID-19, but thankfully my family is with me. When I can't even get back to my home, what is freedom then? Freedom, at its core, has always been having options. I have multiple options to ensure safety of my family, to continue my work, and continue education of my children. That is what freedom means to me.

Do you have any memories of a special Independence Day celebration?

Not memories, but I always think how our first Independence Day would have been celebrated. This day is a chance for us to celebrate the values on which our independent country was born.

How will you use your freedom differently after the pandemic?

Firstly, freedom comes with responsibilities. We can't go out without a mask, citing freedom. Secondly, we should always think ‘risk-first’. At these times, survival is freedom and returns can come later. Thirdly, as entrepreneurs, our teams trust us and are looking for our directions to navigate such times. We are responsible for their wellbeing as much as the wellbeing of our companies.

 ‘Freedom is empty zones in my day with no screen time’

Vanshika Goenka, Founder and CEO, Kool Kanya

What does freedom mean to you in the time of COVID-19?

Freedom during the time of COVID means having some time to connect with myself daily, being in touch with how I am feeling, and expressing my needs. Since we are so connected to our electronic devices, we have learnt the importance of disconnecting and the need to always be connected and online. I have started scheduling in empty zones with no screen time to have a little solace from the perpetual need to be online.

What is your best memory of Independence Day? 

My favourite memory is going with my father to see the flag-hoisting ceremony in our compound, after which we would watch the Independence Day parade on television and feel extremely proud.

How will you use your freedom in different ways post the pandemic? What is the most important thing you have learned in this time?

The most important thing I have learned is that you cannot fight change. You have to embrace change. If we accept things the way they are, we can adapt a lot faster. This is true for my personal and professional life. Rather than complaining about not being allowed to go out any more, I have embraced this time as one of introspection, reading more, and connecting with my family.

As for work, we have pivoted into online events and even launched a marketplace that we had not planned, but which emerged as a response to changing market needs. I have also learned that we can be so efficient when we work from home.

Post-COVID-19, I will really value my freedom, the opportunity to connect in person, and small joys like going for a swim or even travelling.

‘The value of freedom has gone up exponentially’

Malini Agarwal, Founder and Creative Director, MissMalini Entertainment

What does freedom mean to you in the time the pandemic?

I think the value of freedom has gone up exponentially, especially the freedom we didn't realise we had and which we took for granted. I think freedom now means to still live the best life you possibly can. 

I have realised that the things that I really value most now are my relationships and friendships, and the ability to connect with people much more than going somewhere, or having an experience, spending money, or even travelling. And I think that has been quite an eye opener.

What is your best memory of Independence Day?

I have lots of great memories of Independence Day. Some of my favourite ones involve having lots of friends over, painting flags, and just doing fun, easy patriotic things. I don't feel like you have to be super-serious to be patriotic. We all love our country and have different ways of expressing it. We end up doing a lot of Independence Day brunches as well. So, the freedom to be myself and spend time with my friends makes up a lot of my memories.

How will you use your freedom after the pandemic is over?

I will use my freedom more wisely. I will spend my time with the people I love and care about. Every day will be valuable for me. Definitely going to value hugs more.

‘Aim for financial freedom’

Priti Rathi Gupta, Founder, LXME MD and Promoter, Anand Rathi Group

What does freedom mean to you in the time of the pandemic?

Freedom to me is the prerogative of choice and the ability to choose and make personal and professional decisions based on my convictions. It is the freedom to say, ask, and express myself without the fear of being judged. One of the topmost privileges that I believe every person should aim for is financial freedom; this is when money stops dictating or ruling our choices because we have created the right financial plans.

Also, freedom to me now is the liberty to travel where one wishes to without having to worry about this dreaded virus. Even the freedom to go for a run or exercise without a mask seems like a dream.

What is your best memory of Independence Day? 

Most of my memories of Independence Day celebrations are those of my school years. We would celebrate Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony, assembly, and follow it up with samosas and chocolates as snacks.

On one such August 15, it rained so heavily from 12 pm onwards that there was no way to go back home but wade through knee-high water. The feeling of freedom that came from getting wet in the rain while walking through the water, munching at the chocolate, made the muddy water, long arduous walk, and fear of being scolded irrelevant. On tough days, I revisit that feeling of being in the moment and free from all worries. It still gives me a rush of happiness and liberation.

How will you use your freedom differently after the pandemic?

One of the biggest learnings for me as an individual and as a citizen has been the importance of self-reliance. COVID has left us no choice but to be self-sufficient. It has taught many lessons in savings, pragmatic spending, the difference between needs and wants, and having diversified income flows.

Another big learning is that in a situation like this is that a woman, more so if she is a working woman, bears a large part of the brunt of reducing income levels and increasing household work.

‘Freedom is being yourself in your truest form’

Rashi Menda, Founder and CEO of IS.U

What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom to me is the ability to be yourself in your truest form. It’s being able to make your own choices and have agency over your own life. And while I know I’ve been privileged enough to have my own freedom in life, I know that’s not normal for many all over the world. A part of celebrating my own freedom means doing what I can do to help others find their own freedom.

Do you have any memories of a special Independence Day celebration?

Every year growing up, my siblings and I would watch the parade on the TV and my grandfather would tell us how they migrated from Pakistan and started a new life from scratch here in India.

What would be the best advice you would give to your countrymen on this Independence Day

Being accepted is a form of freedom. This great secular nation is home to people of many beliefs and faiths. But we all share one home and we must accept and embrace those we share this soil with.

 ‘Put the welfare of other people ahead of your own’

Ranveer Brar, celebrity chef

What does freedom mean to you amid the pandemic?

For me, freedom has always been synonymous with responsibility. That’s even more true in these times when we need to be mindful and responsible for our actions and motives. At any time, as a responsible citizen, one needs to look at the bigger picture and put others’ welfare ahead of personal choices, now more than ever.

What is your best memory of Independence Day?

As a kid, it was more the lure of the ladoos that were distributed on Independence Day that comes to mind! Having ladoos is nothing new, but maybe it’s that sense of pride that made the ladoo taste more special.

This is a memory I re-lived when I visited Bodhgaya a couple years ago where I and a few other chefs cooked for special children. I still recall how they all gathered around when I was making jalebi for them. I could see the same innocent spark in their eyes too! I felt like life had come a full circle.

How will you use your freedom in different ways after the pandemic?

What’s going to change for me is the whole of idea of individual independence vs social independence. When independence is linked to responsibility, it opens up the idea of how our independence is linked to society and how the two go hand in hand. I think I have learnt to look at independence from other people’s lenses, society as a whole. I see the lesser privileged and realise that unless they feel the same level of freedom as I do, there’s no point in me feeling individually independent.

‘Entrepreneurs need relentless self-belief”

Anuj Gosalia, CEO and Co-Founder, Terribly Tiny Tales

What does freedom mean to you in the times of the pandemic?

Freedom means the ability and imagination to be ambitious and believe that we, as a country, company, and team, will come out stronger. It may not feel like that right now, but it’s what makes entrepreneurs stand out. Relentless self-belief.

What is your best memory of Independence Day? 

My best memory is when we released our Independence Day special short films in 2015, which are as relevant today. To celebrate India and its many stories through film was an incredible feeling, and I’m very proud of this batch.

How will you use your freedom after the pandemic?

These times have made me question what’s truly important. Personal health and that of the family is most important. Also, to be grateful and generous about what we have, which is time, money, and energy. At an organisation level, you truly recognise that people build companies that eventually lead to growth of revenue and profit. It’s the people that make things happen and when everyone’s working from distance it becomes even more important to bring people closer, virtually.