Actress Raavee Gupta, who is currently seen in Star Plus and Balaji Telefilms’ Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, believes Independence Day is about much more than putting up the national flag or sharing patriotic posts on social media. As the country celebrates August 15, the actress speaks about what patriotism means to her, the freedom fighter who has inspired her the most, and why people should value the freedom they have today.
Raavee feels that while celebrations have become more symbolic for many people, this does not necessarily mean the emotions behind them are not genuine. “I think there is definitely a little bit of that. We put up a flag, post something patriotic, listen to a few songs, and then life goes back to normal. But I also don’t think patriotism has to be loud or performative,” she says.
Take a moment and think about what freedom actually means to you and what you can do, in your own little way, to make this country a better place for the people around you.
For the actress, true love for the country is reflected in everyday actions and responsibilities. “For me, loving your country is also about what you do every day, how you treat people, whether you respect the laws, whether you care about the environment, whether you give back in some way, and whether you teach your children to respect the country and the people around them. I think all of these things are also ways of showing patriotism,” Raavee shares.
Talking about the freedom fighter who has left the deepest impression on her, Raavee names Mahatma Gandhi. “For me, it would probably be Mahatma Gandhi. I know that’s a very obvious answer, but what continues to amaze me about him is the idea that you could fight something as enormous as an empire without making violence your weapon,” she says.
The actress believes Gandhi’s message of non-violence remains relevant even today. “The idea of non-violence as a form of strength has always stayed with me. It takes a tremendous amount of conviction to stand your ground without becoming hateful. That is something I really admire,” she adds.
As she shares her message for her fans and followers on Independence Day, Raavee feels the most important thing is to remember the sacrifices that made today’s freedom possible. “I think my message would simply be to not take our freedom for granted. We’ve grown up with so many freedoms that sometimes we forget there was a time when people actually had to fight and sacrifice enormously for them,” she says.
Raavee adds that people should celebrate the day wholeheartedly, but also take a moment to think about what freedom means to them personally. “This Independence Day, enjoy the holiday. Spend time with your family, put up the flag, listen to the songs and celebrate. But maybe also take a moment and think about what freedom actually means to you and what you can do, in your own little way, to make this country a better place for the people around you. Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind,” she concludes.
