Speaking at an Independence Day programme at PSG health campus Coimbatore, Dr.Sudha Ramalingam , Director Research and Innovation 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.

“Independence is not merely a historical achievement to be celebrated. It is a responsibility that we must carry forward and strengthen for the next generation,” Dr. Ramalingam said.

Remembering the women who fought for India’s freedom

Dr. Ramalingam emphasised that the story of India’s freedom struggle would be incomplete without recognising the courage and sacrifices of its women.
She 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 new freedoms India must achieve

Dr. Ramalingam said that while the country had achieved political freedom from colonial rule, the challenges facing the present generation require a different kind of struggle.“The British may have left India, but there are new forms of bondage that threaten our children, our youth and our society,” she said.

She identified the need for freedom from:

* Drug and substance addiction
* Disease and preventable ill-health
* Mobile phone and digital addiction
* Junk food and unhealthy eating habits
* Sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles

She emphasised that these challenges cannot be addressed through prohibition or punishment alone, but through education, awareness, healthcare and compassion.“Our weapons today are education, awareness, healthcare and compassion”

“Yesterday, the weapons of the freedom struggle were courage, sacrifice and resistance. Today, our weapons must be education, awareness, healthcare and compassion,” Dr.Ramalingam said.

Education can liberate people from ignorance. Awareness can protect young people from harmful behaviours. Healthcare can free communities from preventable disease. Compassion can ensure that those struggling with addiction, illness or social disadvantage are not abandoned.

PSG: 102 years of building through education and healthcare

Dr.Ramalingam noted that the philosophy of using education and healthcare as instruments of social transformation is deeply embedded in the history of PSG, which began its journey 102 years ago.
“What PSG started more than a century ago as a commitment to education and healthcare has now grown into a large educational and healthcare ecosystem. This is a powerful example of how education and healthcare can transform individuals, families and communities,” she said.

From Swarajya to Swasthya Rajya

Calling for a broader vision of Viksit Bharat, Dr. Ramalingam said that economic growth and infrastructure alone cannot define a developed India.
“If we want to achieve a truly Viksit Bharat, it is not enough that we achieved Swarajya. We must build Swasthya Rajya — a healthy India,” she said.

A truly developed India, she added, must be one where children grow up free from addiction, citizens have access to quality healthcare, women live with dignity and safety, and communities embrace healthy and compassionate ways of living.

“Our freedom fighters gave us Swarajya. Our responsibility is to build upon it and create a Swasthya Rajya.”“From Swarajya to Swasthya Rajya — let this be the new freedom struggle of our generation.”