Our 76th Anniversary of Independence Day

Dear Rev. Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and Lay faithful,

Prayerful Greetings!

On August 15, we commemorate our 76th anniversary of Independence Day. This is a momentous day for all of us because our magnificent nation has reached 76 years of freedom, and the whole nation is celebrating. It is an important day for every Indian, whether at home or abroad. On this day, we fly the Indian flag at our homes, schools, businesses, and government and private structures with great enthusiasm. For all of us, it is a day of celebration of our democracy. We, the people of India, celebrate this day as a way of paying tribute to our leaders and those who fought for the freedom of our country in the past. We commemorate all of our country’s freedom fighters who gave their lives. Our freedom fighters went through countless sufferings to give us our freedom.

The importance of remembering our past cannot be overstated. However, as the theme for this 76th Independence Day in India is ‘Nation First, Always First,’ we also have to think about building our future amidst the challenges we encounter based on religion, communalism, poverty, etc. There is enough hate and violence in the world today and we need to become messengers of peace in the nation. Though we look ahead confidently with optimism, the signs of our times are very much disturbing and depressing. On the political front, we experience much turmoil and upheavals. Violence and crime are the order of the day. Justice is being denied to innocent victims. Despite several welfare schemes, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening ever more. The economic scenario is much alarming and afflicting the poor. The prices of essential commodities are skyrocketing, thus depriving the common man/woman of one square meal a day. Job seekers have to pay a heavy price; merit and competence are totally and conveniently ignored. Their cry is growing louder. Social unrest is on the increase. The underprivileged sections of the people are the targets of the powerful. The enforcement authorities seem helpless to put an end to atrocities, assaults, crimes, murders, gang rapes, human trafficking, drug peddling, strikes and scams. They fail to ensure peaceful and fraternal living.

We need to focus on the collective resolve and determination to shape the destiny of India. “Nation First, Always First” should concern each and every citizen of India. We should take a promise to construct the country, develop the country, and preserve its dignity on this Independence Day. We must swear an oath to be responsible and be prepared to defend the country from the evil elements that would put the peaceful harmony and sovereignty of India at stake. It is our responsibility to move our country forward and make it the greatest in the world. As we usher in the Independence Day anniversary, our expectations are high to see a stronger and prosperous India, wherein all peoples will continue to enjoy true and robust freedom, i.e., freedom of expression and of religion, and equality of opportunities for all as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It is a matter of great pride that India stood by democracy which is the best form of governance that makes room for people’s participation in taking decisions and framing policies meant for quality enhancement of citizenship.

As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us have Freedom in mind, Faith in our hearts, and Memories in our souls. True freedom for Christians should mean a deeper understanding. We are called to the freedom that can only be attained in the total abandonment to God’s divine will. Our burdens become light when we offer our concerns and struggles to Jesus. The freedom we desire in the depths of our hearts was won for us on the shoulders of Christ on the cross. We have the responsibility to uphold the freedom gained for us by others who have gone before us, and we have the duty to perfect it, with Jesus’ help, for those who will follow us. We read in the book of Galatians, “You brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love” (Gal 5:13-14). Freedom is not possible without love. It is enunciated through virtuous living and the imitation of Jesus, who broke the shackles of sin and death. Today, let us think of one way to restore freedom and peace in our home and personal life. Let us start with something small, perhaps offering a few moments for an unspoken act of charity for another, and watch as our life and our culture are transformed.

On 15 August the Mother Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”. As we celebrate this feast of the assumption of our Blessed Mother, may we fondly entrust ourselves and our nation to her maternal mantle. Ultimately, she will protect and guide us towards real freedom, which can be achieved only in one’s inner being. On this auspicious occasion, let us pledge to love our country, work unitedly for its progress and ensure violence-free living. Like our Mother Mary, who was a woman for others, let us practise works of mercy and joyously serve our less fortunate brethren.

Happy Independence Day! May our Blessed Mother bless our nation!

Yours devotedly in Our Lord,

+ Most.Rev. S. Antonysamy
Bishop of Palayamkottai