Actor Ishwak Singh, best known for his roles in 'Rocket Boys' and 'Paatal Lok', used the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2025 to make a case for preserving open debate and dialogue as foundational values of a democratic society. Speaking from Mumbai, Singh argued that ideological diversity, far from being a threat, is one of India's core strengths.

On Debate and National Unity

When asked which value he considers most vital for nation-building, Singh was direct. “We need to remain a society that debates, engages in dialogue and supports one another despite our differences,” he said. “Our diversity of ideas, cultures and perspectives is our strength. If we can work together towards the greater good while respecting our differences, that is what will make our nation stronger.”

The statement carries particular resonance at a time when public discourse in India is frequently polarised along political and cultural lines. Singh's emphasis on disagreement as a democratic virtue — rather than a fracture — reflects a broader anxiety among artists and intellectuals about the health of civic conversation.

How 'Rocket Boys' Shaped His Understanding of India

Singh said that preparing for his role in 'Rocket Boys' — the acclaimed series depicting the lives of scientists Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai — gave him a visceral connection to India's post-independence idealism. “I remember Gandhi's ideas on social justice, Nehru's emphasis on scientific temper, and Ambedkar's powerful speeches on equality,” he said. “Reading them while preparing for Rocket Boys helped me understand my character, but also inspired me personally. Gandhi's idea of truth force has become one of my core beliefs.”

Notably, the series has been credited with reintroducing younger Indian audiences to the intellectual and scientific ambitions that defined the country's early decades — a cultural function that Singh appears to have internalised deeply.

What True Independence Means to Him

On the question of personal freedom, Singh offered a definition rooted in civic responsibility rather than individual liberty alone. “To me, true independence means having the freedom to educate yourself, engage with others, think independently and stand up for what you believe in,” he said.

He added: “With freedom and power also comes responsibility — the responsibility to serve society and those who are less fortunate.”

The Broader Context: India at 80

India's 80th Independence Day marks eight decades since the country gained freedom from British rule in 1947. The milestone is an occasion to reflect on the nation's transformation — from building democratic institutions and expanding access to education, to emerging as a major global economy with a growing presence in science, technology, and defence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort, with his speech anchored in the theme of building a self-reliant, developed India by 2047. Key pillars included Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Sapta Dhara framework — seven streams of national strength spanning defence, energy, human capital, youth, self-reliance, and national unity.

As India charts its next chapter, voices from the arts — like Singh's — serve as a reminder that the quality of public discourse is as consequential as economic or military milestones.