“True Independence Will Come When We Improve Civic Sense and Ensure Dignified Jobs” — Shivani Gosain

Mumbai: Actor Shivani Gosain, last seen in Rishton Se Bandhi Gauri, sees the 79th Independence Day not just as a national celebration, but as a mirror reflecting how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go. For her, the essence of 15th August lies beyond ceremonial flag hoisting or patriotic speeches. It’s a call to action, a reminder that each citizen shares the responsibility of building a stronger, more compassionate India.
“Our government and leaders should focus less on speeches and petty disputes over regions or languages, and more on meaningful, long-term development,” she says with conviction. “Two things must become our national priorities—improving civic sense and creating steady, dignified jobs. Without these, true independence will remain incomplete.”

Shivani stresses that patriotism is not seasonal. “It shouldn’t just surface on Independence Day or Republic Day with posters, slogans, or social media hashtags. Throughout the year, throughout our lives, we must remember that we are Indians. If we truly love our country, we must contribute to it every day—through our actions, discipline, and respect for one another.”
For her, real freedom is more than the absence of foreign rule—it’s the presence of safety, equality, and opportunity. “True independence will be achieved when women, girls, children—and indeed all citizens—can live, work, travel, and study without fear. When we offer quality education, ensure safety in public spaces, and cultivate genuine respect between genders, we will be closer to that ideal,” she says. She points out that while boys too face injustice, the imbalance still affects girls far more, and addressing that disparity is essential for progress.
Shivani envisions an India where children can play in open spaces without parents fearing for their safety, where people obey traffic rules not because they might be fined, but because they care for the lives of others, and where dignity in employment is as important as the paycheck. “Becoming truly civilised means understanding that our personal actions impact our society. We can’t wait for the government to do everything. Civic sense begins with each of us,” she adds.
When asked about her inspiration, she names Shaheed Bhagat Singh without hesitation. “At such a young age, he sacrificed everything for the nation—his comfort, his future, his life—without even experiencing much of it. And he did it smiling. Compare that to today, when so many young people waste time and opportunities, disconnected from the idea of serving their country. Bhagat Singh fought injustice head-on, knowing it would cost him his life, but his spirit never wavered.”
Her message to her fellow citizens is as clear as it is urgent: “Let’s rise above divisions of religion, caste, language, or state. Our freedom fighters gave their lives for India—Bharat, Hindustan—not for fragmented identities. If we want to honour them, we must strengthen the India they dreamed of. That begins with civic responsibility, mutual respect, and personal accountability.”