'Being India, Being Free'

August 15th, 2007

India is just 60 years young and raring to go further from what she has
achieved till date. As we celebrate our 60th year of living as a free Indian, DQ
Channels asked some people in the channel about what freedom meant to them. For
some it is the freedom meant being able to travel anywhere, for others it is
living without fear as a free citizen. Yet others are glad that they can live,
shop and eat where they want, while there are those who cherish waking up daily
with hope for a better future in their hearts.

These are ordinary people, often caught up in the race called life. But they
would like to do something for the country that has given it an identity so
distinct and which they are proud to wear on their sleeve. Their thoughts about
freedom and what they want to do for their country will definitely find
reverberations in your soul as well.

S Rajendran, GM- Sales and Marketing, Acer India Freedom to me is, "Savoring the innumerable benefits of a free society despite its numerous apparent contradictions as stands as a robust and enduring symbol for democracy. It would be too presumptuous to assume that one can indeed declare that something has been given back to the country! I have tried to instill in my children the sense of value of 'freedom' and to cherish the same in a responsible manner, so they get to grow into responsible citizens."
Manoj Dhawan, IDM Solutions, Ludhiana Freedom to me is, "Being able to keep my manpower in high spirits and have the freedom to enjoy an occasional holiday without feeling guilty, which is possible only in a free nation. My meager contribution to the nation is the employment for 150 people working with me. In country like India, employment has always been a major problem and my business help in that way to an extent. It is a small contribution but it counts."
SM Ramprasad, Manager, Consumer Products, Epson, India Freedom to me is, "Doing a lot of things, which we cannot do in other countries. Here we have the right to enjoy so many privileges that is denied even today in so many nations. As a return gesture, I ensure that I pay my taxes - be it property tax or others. I also insist on taking bills for any purchase I make to make India a financial accountable nation and try to be a good citizen."
RS Shanbhag, Director, ValuePoint Systems,Bangalore Freedom to me is, "Working peacefully without having to attend too many phone calls, which we otherwise have to answer. Freedom to me is also being able to maximize on the available time so that I can plan well for the next quarter. As a return gesture to this freedom that I am entitled to, I work with a number of NGOs like Don Bosco to ensure that children there get to enjoy their freedom to the fullest."
Sanath Babu, Director, Sri Durga Computech,Bangalore Freedom to me is, "Getting to spend time with my family. It means a relaxed day when I can catch up on the things that I miss out during my hectic schedules otherwise. I cannot say I have contributed much for my country as yet. In return for what I have received, I still have lots to give back."
Atul Jain, Country Manager, India and SAARC, Netgear, Delhi Freedom to me is, "Spending quality time with family and kids at home and enjoy kite flying with them. I am a part of the economic growth that India is going through right now and my efforts at work indirectly contributes to the country's success."
RK Malhotra, MD, Silicon Comnet, New Delhi Freedom to me is, "Responsibility. Actually being able to deliver on certain duties that I am entitled to, is what my freedom is all about. As part of a company, which has implemented various projects for defence, it gives me a sense of pride that I have been able to offer facilities for smooth and excellent communication.
V G Raju - Senior Vice President, Trimax Computers, Mumbai Freedom to me is, "Being able to think independently. Liberty is a much-cherished gift. As a loyal citizen I follow all rules and regulations of the country and am a firm believer in casting the vote. This is what I can give my nation in return to what I have got from it."
Sudhir Kothari, MD, Embee Software, Kolkata Freedom to me is, "Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom to travel, freedom of entrepreneurship. Being able to pursue my passion and establish my own venture. Freedom is a sense of ownership and responsibility. It is very difficult to give back what we receive from our country. However as entrepreneur I have been able to contribute, whatever little I can, to the country's economy as well as helped to provide my fellow countrymen employment opportunities "
V K Bhandari, MD, Supertronindia, Kolkata Freedom to me is, "The most cherished gift that I have ever got. It is the independence that I enjoy to grow the business with out any limitations and boundaries, besides being able to express my views freely. I am proud and honored that I am able to providethe basic needs of the families of more then 250 people who are working in my organization and feel this is the best I could contribute to my country."
V Suresh Kumar, CEO,INIT Systems, Chennai Freedom to me is, "A feeling of confidence to achieving all that I want. It means development of me as a person and my country as a whole."
P.S Neogi, President, Redington India, Chennai Freedom to me is, "A matter of pride. It gives me the confidence to do my work and keeps me motivated to achieve more and grow bigger and better."
N. Jagannath, CEO Fourth Dimension Technologies,Chennai Freedom to me is,"To be able to do what ever I think and express myself to the world. As a citizen born in free India, I feel it is time that we get freedom from corruption and terrorism."
Balaji.S, Deputy General Manager, HCL Peripherals Freedom to me is, "Being able to express myself and being able to convert my thoughts into action. I feel that everyone else in the country should get to do it as well."
Jayessh Mehta, Director, Future Businesstech India, Bangalore Freedom to me is, "Is a sense of patriotism. It is being able to express myself without hindrances. While I cannot say I have done too much in return for my country as yet, I am associated with a group in Gujarat called the Shrimat Rajchandra Ashram, a charitable institution where we conduct health campaigns. Right now we are trying to provide PC's for children in government schools. "