India’s 78th Independence Day celebrated on Thursday, August 15, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey of freedom and self-determination. This day takes us back to the pivotal moment in 1947 when India finally broke free from the clutches of British colonial rule after nearly 200 years of oppression. The struggle for independence was long and arduous, fueled by the relentless spirit of millions who believed in the dream of a free and sovereign nation. The sacrifices of known and unsung freedom fighters were the cornerstone of this historic victory. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and countless others led mass movements, enduring hardships, imprisonment, and even death to secure a future of dignity and liberty for their fellow countrymen.
As our forebears envisioned it, freedom was not merely the absence of colonial rule. It was the promise of a society where every individual could live with dignity and where art, culture, and expression could flourish without fear of censorship or suppression. While we have made tremendous strides since 1947, the question of true freedom remains ever-relevant. In a world where social, economic, and cultural challenges persist, our understanding of freedom continues to evolve.
Expression of Freedom
“Art is the most intense mode of individualism the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde. Freedom is a concept that transcends simple definitions. It embodies the power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint, but it also permeates deeper into our psyche as an intrinsic part of what it means to be human. It’s a state of mind, a way of life, and, most importantly, a powerful expression. Freedom is not just an abstract ideal; it is lived, fought for, and continually redefined. And where words may falter, art steps in as the ultimate medium for expressing the complexities of freedom.
Freedom Through Art on Mojarto
Artists on Mojarto are doing more than simply selling their work; they celebrate the freedom of expression our ancestors fought so hard to achieve. Mojarto provides a space where artists from every corner of the country, from established names to emerging talents, can share their stories, visions, and interpretations of what freedom means today.
In the world of art, freedom is far more than a mere theme or subject. It is the very essence of creativity. Art offers a sanctuary where boundaries dissolve, where the soul can express itself without fear of censorship, judgment, or repression. Through the ages, artists have wielded their brushes, chisels, and cameras as instruments of liberation, capturing the elusive spirit of freedom in deeply personal yet profoundly universal ways. Whether it be the yearning for personal liberation, the struggle for political emancipation, or the pursuit of social justice, art has always been at the forefront, challenging, inspiring, and often leading the way toward greater freedoms.
Indian Art: A Reflection
Art has always been a powerful medium for exploring and questioning the notion of freedom. Indian art, in particular, has long reflected our society’s struggles, aspirations, and triumphs. From the traditional folk arts that capture the spirit of community and resilience to contemporary pieces that challenge societal norms and provoke thought, Indian art is a testament to our ongoing quest for true freedom. It speaks to the diversity of our experiences and the complexity of our collective identity.
A Tribute to Cultural Heritage
Sutapa Khan’s “Bharat Mata” is a vivid tempera on canvas that honours India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, drawing inspiration from Abanindranath Tagore’s iconic 1905 depiction. Tagore’s Bharat Mata symbolised the nation as a nurturing, motherly figure during the freedom struggle, representing peace, knowledge, and self-sufficiency with elements like beads and sheaves of paddy. Khan’s artwork retains these symbolic elements but presents them with his unique artistic flair, highlighting the evolution from colonial resistance to celebrating India’s post-independence legacy.
Khan’s rendition of Bharat Mata employs similar symbols, such as beads and the lotus, to convey spirituality and purity, reflecting India’s deep-rooted traditions and its progressive spirit. His work is a tribute to Tagore’s original vision while capturing contemporary India’s resilience and cultural richness. The artwork serves as a powerful reminder of India’s cultural identity and the enduring significance of national symbols, illustrating how art continues to preserve and reinterpret the nation’s collective consciousness.
Symbol of Nation-Building
Haku Shah, one of India’s most esteemed artist-scholars, seamlessly intertwines his roles as a painter, teacher, and anthropologist to create profound and evocative art. In his painting “Spindle,” Shah masterfully depicts Mahatma Gandhi, the revered father of the nation, engaged in weaving the tricolours of India—saffron and green—symbolising the nation’s unity and progress. Gandhi, dressed in white, represents peace and truth, guiding the spindle that weaves through the vibrant colours, symbolising the intricate process of nation-building. This artwork not only honours Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence but also reflects Shah’s deep understanding of cultural symbolism and his commitment to portraying the spiritual and historical essence of India’s journey.
Revolution Beyond Celebrating Independence Day
Deepankar Majumdar’s painting “Revolution” is a striking commentary on India’s journey to freedom and the ongoing struggle for true equality. In this evocative artwork, Majumdar portrays the face of a woman, emblematic of Mother India, with the Indian tricolour draped across her features. A red fist prominently displayed in the composition represents resistance and triumph, while the British flag in the corner signifies the colonial power that was ultimately overthrown. This imagery powerfully symbolises the nation’s enduring spirit during the fight for independence, marked by numerous physical and ideological revolutions, each contributing to the eventual liberation.
Towards True Freedom
The journey to freedom was not marked by a single event but rather by a series of revolutions, each playing a crucial role in shaping the multifaceted path to India’s independence. Yet, as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar highlighted in his resignation speech, attaining political liberation is just the beginning. Ambedkar’s poignant observation that “to leave inequality between class and class, between sex and sex,” to which he further adds, “and to go on passing legislation relating to economic problems is to make a farce of our Constitution and to build a palace on a dung heap,” reflects the profound challenges that remain. The underlined context of the painting serves as a powerful reminder that while India has made significant strides, pursuing genuine equality and justice is a critical, ongoing struggle.
As we celebrate this 78th Independence Day, it is a time for reflection and gratitude towards those who stood unyielding against the might of the British Empire. The bravery and resilience displayed by these freedom fighters continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the price paid for our freedom. Their unwavering determination not to bow before British intimidation, despite the brutal repression and long years of incarceration, speaks volumes about their dedication to the cause of India’s independence. This day is not just a remembrance of the past but a celebration of the ideals and values these heroes fought for—equality, justice, and self-governance. It reminds us that the freedom we cherish today is a legacy we must uphold and pass on to future generations.
Mojarto wishes you a very happy Independence Day!!!