Happy Independence Day to all. But can we truly claim to be independent when a woman still isn’t safe at her workplace? Are we supposed to lock ourselves in our homes to stay safe? So many women have dreams and aspirations that they work tirelessly to achieve, but there are still those with twisted mindsets who shatter these dreams in an instant.

It’s heartbreaking to witness the outdated mentality that continues to plague our society. The first question some people ask is still, “What was she wearing?” In the case of the RG Kar Hospital, there was a resident doctor who had been on duty for 36 hours, some dared to question her attire. A doctor, working tirelessly to save lives, would obviously be in scrubs or professional clothing, but narrow-minded people are quick to twist the narrative to suit their prejudices.

The real issue isn’t about what she was wearing—it’s about a mindset that finds any excuse to justify heinous acts. The victim, the doctor, was more than just a woman; she was a human being with dreams, ambitions, and a life she was building. But in a single horrific hour, everything was snatched away from her. 

True independence isn’t just about freedom from colonial rule; it’s about creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear. Women should be respected, valued, and protected. Independence remains incomplete as long as incidents like this continue, and victim-blaming overshadows justice.

We must strive for a world where every person, whether in our country or beyond, can pursue their goals, speak freely, and walk without fear. Let’s work together to ensure that justice prevails and no voice is silenced.

Happy Independence Day. Let’s unite to make our nation and the world a safer, more just place for everyone. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.