Where the mind is without fear

Dear friends:

As we celebrate the 78th year of Indian independence, we find ourselves reflecting on a legacy that is as complex as it is inspiring. This day, August 15th, stands as a powerful reminder of the unity, courage, and determination that brought our nation to the ‘stroke of the midnight hour’ in 1947. Yet, it also brings to mind the deep scars of the atrocities committed before and after that momentous night. For many, these memories are not merely historical—they resonate deeply, influencing how we view our present and future. 

Our MMA-UK group, composed largely of doctors, is in some ways a microcosm of the broader Indian diaspora—individuals who have left Kerala for various reasons but remain deeply connected to its pulse. Whether we are discussing the plight of Man U or the social upheaval in Manipur, our conversations have a sense of purpose, underscoring the relevance of self-reflection in these turbulent times. And it is different in other ways. Many of us in MMA-UK left India at a time when exclusion from public and professional spaces was a harsh reality for many. In Kerala, however, we experienced a different social fabric—one where friendships were not dictated, where inclusivity was more than just a concept. It was an ingrained sense of justice. Justice that compelled us to react when something doesn’t fit, or when something is wrong. 

Alumni meetings and social gatherings have their charm, but they are not enough. MMA-UK is not about creating an exclusive group; it’s about standing together for the greater good. In a world increasingly defined by divisions—of race, class, nationality — we must resist the categorisation into separate camps and instead come together for the greater good. Not because we are forced to, but because we chose to. What, then, is the ‘greater good’? It is a firm commitment to addressing issues, both local and global, that affect us all. It is in these collective spaces, where we share our thoughts, our fears, and our hopes, that we can begin to make meaningful change. MMA-UK should be more than just a network; it should be a platform for conceiving and enacting collective action. The recent events in the UK, the tragedy in Wayanad, and the horrifying incident at R G Kar Medical College have left us all deeply hurt. But they also serve as a call to action. Our legacy is not just one of past glories but of present responsibilities. As we reflect on 78 years of independence, let us also reflect on what it means to be truly independent today. It means using our voices, our skills, and our collective power to make a difference—not just for ourselves, but for the greater good.

We have been inspired by the words of Tagore. These lines are pertinent now more than ever. 

‘Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake’

Let’s come together.

Ajith Kartha

General Secretary, MMA

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