The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated with great enthusiasm at PSG Health Science Institutions (PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, PSG College of Nursing, PSG College of Physiotherapy, PSG College of Pharmacy) on Saturday.
Dr. Sudha Ramalingam, Director of Research & Innovation, PSG IMSR hoisted the national flag at the ceremony and delivered the Independence Day Address. She highlighted the often-underrepresented contribution of Indian women to the freedom struggle and called upon the present generation to take up a “new freedom struggle” against the growing challenges of addiction, disease and unhealthy lifestyles.
Dr. Ramalingam recalled Rani Velu Nachiyar, one of the earliest Indian rulers to resist British colonial expansion, and her legendary commander Kuyili, who made the ultimate sacrifice by setting herself ablaze and destroying the enemy’s ammunition store.
She also remembered Madam Bhikaji Cama, who unfurled an early version of the Indian national flag at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907—an act that carried the message of India’s freedom struggle to the international stage.
The contribution of Dr. Lakshmi Sehgal, who led the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the women’s regiment of the Indian National Army under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, was highlighted as an example of women’s leadership and courage during the freedom movement.
Dr. Ramalingam also recalled Usha Mehta, who operated the clandestine Congress Radio during the Quit India Movement and helped disseminate the messages of Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders despite the risks involved.
Among the lesser-known women from Tamil Nadu, she highlighted S. N. Sundarambal of Tiruppur, who participated in the freedom movement and went to prison with her infant child. “These women were not merely supporters of the freedom movement. They were leaders, fighters and freedom-makers. Their sacrifices remind us of the enormous price that was paid for the freedom we enjoy today,” she said.
“The British may have left India, but there are new forms of bondage that threaten our children, our youth and our society,” she said.
India needs freedom from Drug and substance addiction, Disease and preventable ill-health, Mobile phone and digital addiction, Junk food and unhealthy eating habits
and Sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles. She emphasised that these challenges cannot be addressed through prohibition or punishment alone, but through education, awareness, healthcare and compassion.
