JAMMU, Aug 8: On the occasion of Quit India Movement Day, renowned human rights activist Om Parkash Khajuria paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters who made immense sacrifices for India’s independence and said that the historic movement of 1942 continues to carry a powerful message for the present generation.
Khajuria said August 8, 1942, occupies a special place in India’s freedom struggle, as the Quit India Movement was launched following the historic resolution of the All India Congress Committee in Bombay. The movement gave a decisive expression to the demand for an end to British colonial rule and emerged as one of the most significant mass movements in the final phase of India’s struggle for independence.He said the day should not be observed merely as a historical milestone but as an occasion for every citizen to reflect upon the meaning of freedom, democracy, human dignity, justice and responsible citizenship.
“The famous call of ‘Do or Die’, associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership of the movement, reflected the determination of a nation unwilling to remain under colonial rule. Students, workers, farmers, women and people from different regions and communities contributed to the movement in various ways. Many of those participants remained unsung, but their courage became an integral part of India’s freedom narrative,” Khajuria said.
He observed that the Quit India Movement demonstrated the extraordinary strength of collective determination and national unity. Despite repression and hardships, ordinary citizens played a crucial role in sustaining the movement, making it a powerful symbol of India’s resolve to determine its own destiny.
“Freedom was not achieved overnight. It was the result of the courage, determination and sacrifices of countless Indians who stood up for the nation’s dignity. The responsibility of the present generation is to protect the values for which our freedom fighters struggled,” Khajuria said.
The human rights activist stressed that the real significance of the Quit India Movement lies in its enduring message that a nation becomes stronger when its citizens remain united, conscious of their rights and committed to their duties. He said that political freedom must always be accompanied by respect for constitutional values, equality before law, justice and dignity for every citizen.
Khajuria maintained that in the contemporary era, patriotism should translate into constructive and responsible action. Citizens, he said, must collectively work against social discrimination, corruption, injustice, intolerance and violations of human dignity while strengthening democratic institutions and promoting peace, harmony and mutual respect.
He particularly highlighted the role of the younger generation in carrying forward the legacy of the freedom struggle. Instead of limiting the remembrance of freedom fighters to commemorative occasions, young people should study India’s freedom movement, understand the sacrifices made by previous generations and develop a deeper sense of responsibility towards the nation.
“Today, the challenges before the nation may be different from those faced in 1942, but the principles of courage, unity, sacrifice and commitment to the larger national interest remain equally important. We must ensure that the freedoms secured through immense sacrifice are protected and passed on safely to future generations,” he said.
Khajuria also called for greater public awareness about Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties, asserting that a healthy democracy depends on citizens understanding both their rights and their responsibilities towards society and the nation.He said the spirit of the Quit India Movement should inspire citizens to reject hatred, division and discrimination and instead work towards building a society founded on justice, equality, fraternity and mutual respect.
Paying his respects to Mahatma Gandhi and all known and unknown freedom fighters associated with India’s independence struggle, Khajuria said their courage and sacrifices remain an enduring source of inspiration.“On August Kranti Day, let us renew our commitment to a strong, united, democratic and compassionate India where every citizen can live with dignity, justice and freedom,” Khajuria added.