Freedom Was Never Free; It Was Paid For by People Younger Than Most of Us, Says Gauri Jain

Mumbai: Astrologer and Vastu consultant Gauri Jain believes that patriotism should not be limited to symbolic gestures or special occasions, but should instead reflect in the way people conduct themselves every day. She feels that respecting others, following rules, helping those around us and standing up against injustice are some of the simplest ways of contributing towards a better society.
“It is easy to change a profile picture, sing Vande Mataram, share a patriotic post and call it a day. But true patriotism is not something we wear for 24 hours and then put away,” she says. According to Gauri, genuine love for the country is reflected through everyday actions. “To me, real patriotism is reflected in our everyday actions — paying our taxes honestly, treating a sanitation worker with the same dignity and respect as a CEO, following traffic rules even when no one is watching, helping those around us, and speaking up against injustice not just online, but in real life,” she adds.
Gauri believes it is equally important for people to think about the kind of society they are creating for future generations. “It is also about asking ourselves: What kind of India are we building for the next generation?” she says. She adds that remembering the sacrifices made by freedom fighters should inspire people to become more responsible, compassionate and honest citizens.
Talking about the freedom fighter who has left the deepest impression on her, Gauri names Bhagat Singh. She says what inspires her most is not just his courage, but his ability to think, question and stand firmly by his beliefs at such a young age.
“What moves me isn’t just his courage — it’s how young he was, and how clear-headed that courage was. He wasn’t driven by hatred or blind rage; he was driven by ideas,” she says. Gauri admires how Bhagat Singh envisioned an India that was free not only from British rule but also from exploitation, inequality and injustice.
She adds that his story serves as a reminder of the immense price paid for the freedom people experience today. “It reminds me that freedom was never free; it was paid for, by people younger than most of us reading this,” she says.
Sharing her thoughts with the younger generation, Gauri believes freedom comes with responsibility. “Freedom isn’t just a gift we inherited — it’s a promise we have to keep renewing, every single day,” she says. She encourages people to speak up against what is wrong, help those who need support and contribute in their own way towards building the India that the freedom fighters envisioned.