The illusion of giving freedom

  

The illusion of giving freedom

We often hear people say, "I have given a lot of freedom to my children, spouse, or students." But what do they mean by "freedom"? Is it the ability to think and act independently, or merely the permission to enjoy what we deem right?

This raises a fundamental question: who are we to give freedom to others? Are we invaders, rulers, or masters? We are simply fellow human beings. Being a parent, spouse, or teacher does not make us masters and others our slaves.

We are all independent entities with our own expectations and belief systems. As parents, we can offer guidance, but we cannot force our children to adopt our beliefs simply because they are our children. We have no rightful ownership over their minds. Similarly, marriage does not entitle us to confine a spouse's thoughts or actions to our own desires. As teachers, we have a profound responsibility to help students question beliefs and accept differences. A student's aptitude for a subject does not justify caging them in it or restricting their play or hobbies.

None of us has the right over another's freedom, just as others have no right over ours. We must co-exist as distinct individuals, respecting each other's beliefs and personal definitions of a meaningful life.

In fact, in the modern era, we should stop calling the government a "ruling" government. It should be a "serving" government. They are here to serve and lead. However, because they serve does not mean they are our servants and we, the citizens, are their masters.

Freedom is everyone's right. No one should seize control of another's life, and no country should dominate another, forcing people to shed blood to reclaim their rights.

 Freedom is free, and it is free for one and all.

M.L. Narendra Kumar