Freedom cannot be absolute!

We just celebrated our 79th independence day!

GUEST COLUMN: Dr N Prabhudev

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, Aug 21:
Man is condemned to be free – highlights the weight of responsibility that comes with autonomy. Freedom is not a static state but a dynamic process — a balancing act between competing values and interests.
Man is born free but the freedom is not absolute! Boundaries are the foundation of meaningful freedom. Laws, social norms, and ethical codes provide a framework within which individuals can thrive. Without traffic rules, the liberty to drive would be a deadly gamble. Without mutual respect, freedom of speech devolves into a cacophony of voices, drowning out any meaningful dialogue.
Freedom is among the most cherished ideals in human history. It has inspired revolutions, driven philosophical debates, and nurtured our lives. Yet, when we peel back the layers of this cherished concept, a paradox emerges: is absolute freedom possible, or does the very essence of liberty require limits to function?
At first glance, freedom appears to be the absence of restrictions. A life without rules, constraints, or obligations seems like the pinnacle of personal autonomy. However, such a scenario often descends into chaos. Imagine a society where everyone acts solely in their self-interest, ignoring the needs or rights of others. The freedom of one would inevitably infringe upon the freedom of another. This is where the illusion of absolute freedom begins to unravel.
Health as a fundamental right!
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease. The most common cause of death for men and women in every year of this millennium is more than 90% preventable- simply with healthier daily practices of our freedoms.
No alcohol and no tobacco are huge credits for healthy life! We can look to a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables, no processed foods, lots of walking and the wisdom to stress less and enjoy life more with family and friends- Simple yet powerful steps that you can take to recover yourself and be restored to wholeness in your spirit, soul, and body.
The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being – adopted 70 yrs. by WHO! Every Indian should have quality health care at a distance they can travel, at a price they can afford, and with the dignity they deserve. No one should get sick and die just because they are poor!
Now health has become a business- the doctor is the provider and the patient is the consumer! He buys service! pharmaceutical companies are the stakeholders. The physician has a fiduciary duty to act in the patient’s best interest and provide the best possible care!
Today, patients have access to a plethora of resources to make informed decisions! There is no Price transparency and has made healthcare unaffordable! Providers feel the pressure to prioritize profit over patient care. There is less care and more intervention because interventions are cash cows! As the patients shop around for services, the care gets fragmented.
Freedom from and Freedom to!
We need to distinguish between what it means for us to be free from something and to be free to do something. Freedom to – is reflected in the Bill of Rights -for a free press, an open society, and an impartial judicial system. Freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people.
Freedom from – keeps us moving away instead of moving towards; of standing against instead of standing with. “Freedom to” is about exploring rich possibilities in our lives. Freedom to – is a positive freedom. Free to find my own path. Free to explore. Free to question long-held beliefs from my childhood.
Food freedom is to Eat with heart in Mind! Each year, chronic diseases account for 70% of all deaths. Poor diets lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Obesity is one such condition that is fast becoming one of the most rampant medical concerns across the globe..
Junk food is touted to be one of the prime causes of obesity. Burgers, crispy fries, pasta, noodles or aerated sodas can take a toll not just on your weight but your heart and sugar glucose levels too. Food is more than just fuel.
The Freedom to Express – having a voice is key to your wellbeing! Too often, our fear gets in the way of self-expression. There are those who can speak but are not heard. There is great power in a person’s voice. Find your voice- to engage in meaningful conversation, to make a difference through what one says, and to have a say in key decisions. Make your voice worth hearing.
The clock ticks every second and each gone second can’t be claimed back. Time is the greatest equalizer in existence. Everyone gets the same amount of hours in a day. Life is about more than just working all day to make money; make more of yours. It is time to give up the rat race and chase the freedom to live a full and inspired life.
Diverse thought is much more important than “diversity” itself. I have one moral standard to which I hold myself dearly – Do no harm. Be tolerant. Respect disagreement! Freedom is the limitation of choice. Limited freedom is indeed true freedom!

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Chandrashekar G

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