We were NOT DEPENDENT on the Plundering British. We BOOTED them out!

The word "independence" originates from the Latin "independens," combining "in-" (not) and "dependere" (to rely upon). It evolved through Old French as "independance" and entered English in the early 17th century, initially meaning self-sufficiency or freedom from reliance on others. Yet, many societies, like India, were already thriving and self-sufficient before the Europeans arrived to "enlighten" them by plundering their resources.

Independence, as a concept, is steeped in Western thought—a term coined by those engaged in subjugating and exploiting others. Consider the so-called American War of Independence, a tale so steeped in irony it’s almost comedic.

Colonial Background

In the early 17th century, English settlers established colonies along the eastern coast of what is now the United States. Thirteen colonies emerged, each with its own economy and governance, yet all depended on Britain for trade and administration. How ironic: fighting for "independence" on land they had no legitimate claim to.

Whose Land Was It?

The land now known as the USA wasn’t a blank slate waiting for European discovery. It was home to diverse indigenous cultures long before Europeans arrived uninvited.

Paleo-Indians: 

Arrived over 15,000 years ago, thriving as nomadic hunter-gatherers without European guidance.

Major Indigenous Groups:

Mississippian Culture:  Built large earthen mounds and complex societies.

Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi): Created intricate cliff dwellings.

Iroquois Confederacy: Developed a sophisticated governance system.

Cherokee, Creek, Seminole: Advanced agricultural societies.

Navajo and Apache: Renowned for their resilience and artistry.

Tlingit, Haida, Coast Salish: Coastal tribes with rich maritime cultures.

So, what would you call it when the Cherokee and Apache expel colonizers?

"Independence"? They didn’t need the colonizers to show them how to live. They were never dependent on these intruders who came to loot and impose their ways.

The land rightfully belongs to the indigenous peoples, not the European settlers who fought the so-called War of Independence. This was a dispute between Europeans over land they had no legitimate claim to.

European Colonization & Plunder in India

Portuguese (1498): Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut to control the spice trade.

Dutch (1602): Focused on spices and establishing posts.

French (1664): Established posts like Pondicherry but were overshadowed by the British.

British East India Company (1600s - 1857): Started as a trading venture, then expanded through alliances, military force, and exploitation. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 established British dominance.

British Crown Rule (1858 - 1947): The Rebellion of 1857 ended East India Company's forced occupation, leading to direct British Crown control. India’s economy was restructured to benefit Britain, dismantling traditional industries.

The Great Indian National Day

"Independence"? What we achieved was not merely ending a period of subservience but booting those who had looted us for centuries. We weren’t dependent on them; they were dependent on our wealth. We kicked them OUT!

The truth is, we were never reliant on them for our identity, culture, or strength. The Great Indian Nation Day celebrates not just freedom but the triumph of a people who reclaimed what was always theirs. It’s about strength, pride, and the unyielding spirit of India—a nation that was never truly dependent on anyone but itself.

Let America bask in their version of "independence." Our story is different. We belonged to this land and always will. We kicked out the invaders.

I hope one day the original communities—the Aborigines, Maori, Mayan, Inca, Taino, and others—rise to reclaim their lands from these long-standing invaders!

As Marley sang, 'Get up Stand Up...Stand Up for Your Rights!"