'Wish I was alive to be a part of my first Independence Day celebrations'

Dear Prime Minister,

What could be our first Independence Day Celebrations in this beautiful world sadly became another day of mourning for our poor parents. Oh, just in case you aren’t aware dear Prime Minister, I am one of those unfortunate kids who became the victims of paucity of oxygen in Gorakhpur’s BRD Medical College. You probably missed this news so I thought of sharing this one with you along with the disappointment of not having been able to see the dawn of this Independence Day.

The day that marks the celebration of our nation’s freedom from the 300-year old slavery; this year would witness the stain and pain of the families of over 60 children who lost their little lives due to lack of basics in the hospital of country’s largest state.

Just a small thought: should we be really celebrating this year? Are we really independent? Might sound cliché but isn’t independence synonymous with happiness and fearlessness. Doesn’t freedom remind us of the great Rabindranath Tagore’s lines: “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high”. After facing such a blot on our country, would we be able to hold our heads high if we are unable to promise even basics to our people?

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We are gone but dear PM, our families and the entire nation demand and deserve answers to all these questions. I hope you would not disappoint them and take a pledge this Independence Day that this would not repeat in your tenure ever. It’s right that you are way too busy and senior to react on small incidents but please don’t forget this one questions the credibility of your 5-month old Chief Minister who happened to be an MP from the Gorakhpur constituency for five consecutive terms.

It’s time to end the blame game and start what people elected you for—responsible and responsive leadership!

Best wishes for a better world,