Every year on August 15, India celebrates Independence Day. Flags fly, speeches are said, and patriotic songs take over our playlists. But while the nation gears up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, one question lingers: what does freedom really mean in today’s world? And more importantly, what does it mean to Gen Z?
After all, we’ve come a long way from colonial rule. We’re living in the digital age, ordering groceries with a swipe and voicing opinions through memes. But between deadlines, online activism, and curated lives on social media, where does patriotism fit in? Turns out, it's still there, but just in a different form.
“Patriotism today is not about posting flags and quotes on August 15. It’s about what you do on the 16th and every day after that. It’s in voting, in speaking up when you see something wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable. It's knowing your rights but also doing your bit, like paying taxes, even when it hurts. Loving your country doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It means caring enough to want it to improve. To do better,” says Ritika Bhowmick, an investment banker.
This isn’t the expressing loudly kind of patriotism, but a quieter, consistent one rooted in everyday choices. For Akash Singh, a college student, true patriotism lies in fighting for justice and inclusion. “Freedom doesn’t just mean the absence of chains, it means opportunity, the right to express yourself without fear, and access to what lets everyone thrive,” he says.
Today’s generation often talks about freedom not in historical terms, but as a daily experience. And while many believe we’re technically ‘free,’ they also feel that everyone is still dealing with their own kind of cage.
Hanish Sugandh, a social media manager, points out, “A lot of people believe whatever is written in history books or told by elders. But I feel we should try to know the real history behind every struggle, every sacrifice, and even every mistake. Patriotism isn’t just about watching a movie and feeling proud for a day or two. It’s about carrying our country’s past and shaping its future.”
For others like Divya Rai, a content strategist, patriotism is simple, respect for the people who protect us. “The real heroes are those standing at the borders. The recent India-Pakistan tensions reminded us of that. We watched the news from the safety of our homes, but they were the real heroes out there protecting us.”
According to Gen Z, freedom is something that we are still chasing. “If we’re talking about freedom, we’ve definitely moved past colonizers, but we’re still chained in different ways by our own people. It’s not just about being free from oppression. It’s about being free to be whoever we want. To speak the language we want, without fear or judgment.” This sense of safety, or the lack of it, is a recurring theme in the conversations. Whether it’s gender, caste, class, or privilege, the right to simply exist comfortably is still a struggle for many.
Graphic designer Chandni Shah says it simply. She says, “We all know that somewhere down the line the rich or the government or even the police have been acting despotically toward the poor. The government is only giving the opportunities to the rich and the people who have high connections and power to do so. We all have been living in a world where advertisement companies and social media decide how we should feel and express ourselves. That’s not complete freedom.”
So, what kind of India does this generation want?
“Real freedom is when you don’t have to overthink before speaking. When you’re not afraid of being trolled or judged. It’s when everyone feels safe and respected. not just the powerful or the privileged. I want an India that grows not just in numbers and GDP, but in kindness, fairness, and actual freedom,” expresses Ritika.
That kind of sums it up. For Gen Z, patriotism is deeply personal. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it’s very real. It shows up in everyday actions like supporting local businesses, voting smartly, highlighting issues for the government to improve, or just being kind.
They’re not looking for big speeches or emotional drama. Just quiet, honest pride and the hope that we’re heading toward a more inclusive, thoughtful India. So this Independence Day, while you post your flag emoji and hum along to a patriotic tune, maybe also ask yourself, what does freedom mean to you today?
Because for the next generation, it means a lot more than just what happened in 1947.
