Dr. Parul Sharda - As we celebrate India’s 77th Independence Day 2023 on August 15, it’s a moment to reflect on ourselves, as to what real independence actually is? Real independence refers to a state of self-sufficiency, autonomy, and freedom where an individual or a nation can make decisions and pursue goals without being overly influenced or controlled by external forces. It encompasses various aspects of life, including political, economic, social, and personal dimensions. Real independence is not just about the absence of direct external control, but also about having the ability to make choices and shape one's own destiny.

In a political context, real independence for a nation implies sovereignty and the ability to govern itself without undue interference from other countries or international organizations. Economic independence involves having a self-sustaining economy that is not overly reliant on foreign aid or imports, allowing a nation to meet its own needs and pursue its own economic policies. Social independence involves the freedom to express one's culture, traditions, and values without being dominated by external influences.

On a personal level, real independence involves having control over one's own decisions, actions, and choices. It means being able to pursue one's goals and aspirations without being constrained by external pressures or opinions. Personal independence often goes hand in hand with self-confidence, self-reliance, and the ability to assert oneself in various situations.

It's true as well that the concept of independence can sometimes be misrepresented or misunderstood. This can happen for various reasons, including cultural, political, or ideological biases. Here are a few common ways in which independence might be misrepresented:

Selective Independence: Sometimes, individuals or groups might claim to be independent, but they are still influenced by certain external factors or entities. This could be due to economic dependencies, political alliances, or cultural influences. Such cases can lead to a perception of independence that doesn't reflect the full reality.

Superficial Independence: In some cases, independence might be declared on the surface, but the underlying power dynamics and control structures remain largely unchanged. This can happen when nominal changes are made without addressing the core issues that determine true autonomy.

Symbolic Independence: Symbolic gestures or acts might be mistaken for true independence. For example, a nation gaining formal political sovereignty might still face economic or military pressures that limit its actual decision-making capabilities.

Misalignment with Values: An entity claiming independence might not fully embody the values or principles associated with independence. This can happen when political or economic interests are prioritized over the well-being and self-determination of individuals or communities.

Manipulation of Narrative: Powerful entities might manipulate the narrative of independence for their own gain, using it as a tool to gain support or legitimacy while actually retaining control behind the scenes.

 Misrepresentation of independence can also occur when the historical or cultural context of a situation is ignored, leading to a skewed understanding of the complexities involved in achieving genuine independence. Hence it is important to critically examine claims of independence and consider the broader context and underlying dynamics at play. Independence is a multifaceted concept that requires a nuanced understanding to truly assess whether it has been achieved or if there are factors that need to be taken into account. It's important to note that achieving complete and absolute independence in every aspect may be challenging, as interconnectedness and interdependence are inherent in our globalized world. However, striving for real independence involves finding a balance between maintaining one's identity, values, and goals while also engaging with the broader world in a mutually beneficial manner. - By -Dr. Parul Sharda, Associate Professor & HOD (Management), Indore Management Institute, Indore

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