August 15- Indian Independence Day- LIFE LESSONS FROM INDIAN HEROES

August 15- Indian Independence Day- LIFE LESSONS FROM INDIAN HEROES

by Niyati Mehta
This August 15, 2019, India celebrates its 72nd independence day. Hidden in the country’s struggle for freedom are thousands of stories of passion, valor, and heroism. While some heroes fought with the pen, some took up the sword and many others revolted by changing only the beliefs of people. This Independence Day we at NFK share some valuable life lessons that can be learned from these real-life heroes…

  1. Violence isn’t the answer – Mahatma Gandhi was a man who used ideas such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Dharma (moral duty) and Satyagraha (passive political resistance) to shape and eventually change the course of the Indian freedom struggle. He led a revolution without ever wanting to shed even a drop of blood.
  2. Courage can conquer mountains – Jhalkaribai was a part of Rani Laxmibai’s army of brave women and her gallantry did not waver even in the face of death. Knowing that it was not possible to defeat the British army, she disguised herself as Rani Laxmibai, giving the real queen a chance to escape the clutches of the enemy.
  3. A single spark starts a revolution – Fighting a battle off the field, Savitirbai Phule was India’s first female teacher at India’s first all-girls’ school. Singlehandedly she dared to educate women and brought about a revolution even in an era of change, angst, and war.
  4. Stand for you’re the truth – As hundreds Gaur Hari Das fought against the British rule for years. His fight continued for another 3 decades even after India attained its freedom. It took 30 years for him to be officially recognized as a freedom fighter in India’s struggle for Independence.
  5. Swim against the tide – Almost 60 years before the rebellion of 1857, Veerapandiya Kattabomman waged a war against the British to protect his lands. He was the first fighter to raise his voice against oppression and refused to pay taxes to the British to use his own land.

This Independence Day we implore you to share the stories of these real-life heroes with your children and help them understand the value of the freedom that they enjoy today. After all, being a hero is about more than just having superpowers or wearing a cape, isn’t it?