A very good question that you have asked. The question although should be asking if we all understand the value of Independence Day. Talking about children, however, I would answer the question in negative. And the reason behind our children not understanding the real meaning or value of Independence Day is the way we adults celebrate the national festival.
The very first exposure to Independence Day children get is from the Independence Day celebration in schools. Such events on national festivals include cultural programs, the distribution of sweets, the singing of patriotic songs, the hoisting of the national flag, the national anthem, and various speeches.
All these programs are a perfect escape from studies to children just like 15th August is a holiday for us to go on a picnic with our family. Children are more excited for the national flag themed makeup, Bharat Mata costumes, peppy patriotic songs and dance on that. The most boring part of the celebration are the speeches which no student actually listens to or understand. At the end of the day children end up fighting with each other for the candies falling out of the flag and singing wrong lyrics to the tunes of Saare Jahaan se Acchan and Jana Gana Mana.
Among all these, the true meaning and value of our hard earned Independence is not known to anyone –be it children or adults. It’s just a show and revelry for one day and from the 16th of August, we go back to our usual habits where our individualistic selves is more important than our nation.
What happens to the small flags that serve the purpose of commercialization more than patriotism is another concern. Children just throw them on roads or in dustbins after the festivities are over.
Had we been able to induce true patriotic feelings in the hearts of school students through cultural programs that happen in schools, they would have at least some respect towards the nation, national flag, and the very national festival.