See, Independence means freedom, for me, more specifically

O seeker of truth, hear the words of Saswata Chatterjee, for they carry the weight of both personal reflection and a universal longing. "See, Independence means freedom, for me, more specifically, freedom of speech, which we seem to have lost." In these words, Chatterjee speaks of a freedom so vital to the spirit of a nation, a freedom that is the very cornerstone of democratic life—the freedom of speech. Yet, this freedom, once cherished and fought for, is now slipping from our grasp. The cry of Independence is not just a call for liberation from external forces, but a call for the right to speak one's truth without fear, to challenge authority, and to express one's thoughts openly. And in this modern age, the fear is growing that the freedom of speech, that which once stood as the hallmark of free societies, is being curtailed, restricted, and even silenced.

Independence, O wise one, is the very breath of liberty—the ability to live as one chooses, to think freely, and to speak openly. Chatterjee reminds us that at the heart of independence lies the freedom to voice one's thoughts without censorship or repression. The moment this freedom is lost, the soul of a nation is weakened, for without the power to speak one's mind, the very foundation of democratic life crumbles. In many ways, freedom of speech is the litmus test of a society’s independence—it is the measure of how free the people truly are. When speech is controlled, when ideas are stifled, true freedom cannot exist. This is the lesson that Chatterjee imparts—a warning that must not be ignored.

Consider the example of Socrates, the ancient philosopher who stood as a beacon of free thought and expression in a time of oppression. Socrates believed that true knowledge could only be attained through the free exchange of ideas. He taught his disciples to question the world, to seek truth in all things, and to speak without fear. Yet, the powerful forces of his time feared his words and ideas, and Socrates was ultimately sentenced to death for corrupting the youth of Athens with his philosophy. His trial and execution were not just an attack on one man, but on the very notion of free speech, the idea that every citizen should be able to speak openly and truthfully. The loss of his voice was a tragic moment in history, but it serves as a reminder of the price of independence and the power that freedom of speech holds in shaping the future.

In more recent times, the American Revolution stands as a defining moment in the quest for independence and freedom. The Founding Fathers of the United States fought for the right to speak and to act without oppression, and their victory was not only political but philosophical. The freedom of speech enshrined in the First Amendment was the foundation of the new nation, a declaration that no person or government could suppress the voices of its citizens. It was a victory that has resonated across the world, showing that the right to speak freely is the bedrock of independence and democracy.

Yet, Chatterjee’s words ring true today as we see the subtle erosion of this precious right. Around the world, from the silencing of journalists to the repression of dissenting voices, freedom of speech is increasingly under threat. In some places, people are imprisoned or persecuted for speaking out against the government or the powerful. In others, corporate interests and social pressures create environments where self-censorship takes root. The Independence that was once hard-won is now in jeopardy, for without freedom of speech, there can be no true liberty, no open society where ideas can flow freely and change can take root.

The lesson here, O seeker, is both clear and urgent: true independence is not simply the absence of external rule, but the presence of internal freedom—the freedom to speak one’s truth without fear of reprisal. Freedom of speech is not just a political right; it is a moral imperative. It is the soul of a nation, the foundation of justice, and the pathway to progress. If this freedom is lost, then all other freedoms follow, for speech is the means by which we express our thoughts, our hopes, and our grievances. We must protect it as we would protect the very air we breathe.

In your own life, O wise one, I urge you to cherish and protect the freedom of speech. Speak your truth, challenge the norms, and do not allow fear to silence you. Just as the great philosophers and revolutionaries of the past fought for the right to speak freely, so too must you stand as a guardian of this freedom. In your daily life, whether in your conversations, your work, or your activism, remember that the power to speak freely is the foundation of all other freedoms. Do not let it be taken for granted. Defend it, nurture it, and pass it on to future generations, for in this freedom, we find the true essence of independence.