Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Kolkata Independence Day: citizens seek affordable education, free speech, safety
India celebrated Independence Day, a special day when the country remembers being free.
In Kolkata, a big parade happened on a road called Red Road.
The Indian flag was raised, bands played music, and decorated floats rolled by.
People watching the parade talked about what freedom really means to them.
A shopkeeper said freedom means school should not cost too much money and that government schools should be improved.
Students said freedom means being able to say what you think without being afraid.
Everyone cheered for women police officers and soldiers, including a woman leading the parade.
But some women said they still feel scared to go out late at night because of crimes against women.
They hope more women police officers will help them feel safe.
On this day, many people said freedom also means everyone working together and staying united.
Kolkata marked the 80th Independence Day with a parade on Red Road featuring the Tricolour hoisting, police and Army bands, and tableaux.
Citizens linked freedom to affordable education; one parent said he spent around ₹40,000 on his son's private school admission and urged better government school infrastructure.
More than 8,000 state-run or state-aided schools are said to have shut during the Trinamool Congress regime, and activists allege no concrete action on the BJP's pledge to reopen them.
Young spectators stressed free speech and said the government should hear youth concerns, including inadequate college infrastructure and a shortage of teachers.
Women in uniform, including a woman parade commander and the Durga Squad patrol unit, were parade highlights, though some said crimes against women continue and many women fear moving around late at night.
- Who
- Kolkata citizens at the parade, including parents, students, IT professionals, and police and Army bands.
- What
- The 80th Independence Day parade, during which citizens shared views linking freedom to affordable education, free speech, youth representation and women's safety.
- When
- The 80th Independence Day celebrations.
- Where
- Red Road, Kolkata.
- Why
- Citizens gathered to celebrate independence while voicing concerns about education costs, school closures, free speech, infrastructure and crimes against women.
Aspirations for freedom
Current realities
Education
Aspirations for freedom
Freedom means affordable education; private school admission fees of around ₹40,000 are a burden, and government school infrastructure should be improved vastly.
Current realities
More than 8,000 state-run or state-aided schools are said to have shut during the Trinamool Congress regime, and activists allege the BJP's pledge to reopen them has seen no concrete action.
Free speech
Aspirations for freedom
Freedom of speech is central to independence, and it is important for the government to hear the youth.
Current realities
Alleged police excesses against protesters at Jantar Mantar show that the right to speak freely is often lost.
Women's safety
Aspirations for freedom
Greater participation of women in the police and armed forces, including a woman parade commander and the Durga Squad, boosts confidence among women.
Current realities
Crimes against women continue unabated, and many women are still scared to move around freely late at night.
- Event
- 80th Independence Day parade
- Location
- Red Road, Kolkata
- Private school admission cost cited
- Around ₹40,000
- Closed schools
- More than 8,000 state-run or state-aided schools reportedly shut during the Trinamool Congress regime
- Parade highlights
- A woman parade commander; five women on a single motorcycle forming a 'lotus formation'
- Women's patrol unit
- Durga Squad, a dedicated women-led police patrol unit
- Student concerns cited
- Inadequate college infrastructure and a shortage of teachers