Sheena Chohan’s Independence Day Message After Speaking at the UN: “Be Aware of Your Rights — Indian Freedom Fighters Fought Hard for Them”

As India gears up to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the idea of freedom takes on a significance that goes beyond history and festivities. Actress and Human Rights Ambassador of South Asia Sheena Chohan believes Independence Day is an opportunity to reflect on what freedom truly means today — the freedom to speak, question, be heard and live with dignity.

For Sheena, this perspective comes from her recent experience representing India at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where she spoke about basic human rights and equality. Her speech was telecast, giving her an international platform to address issues that remain relevant in India and across the world.

Video of the speech at the UN New York Headquarters: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db998dWqubX/?igsh=MWE4aTI0MW9oNGtlcw==

Reflecting on her experience, Sheena Chohan says, “At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, spreading awareness of basic human rights and equality, and representing India on a global stage, was an honour I will always cherish. Standing there as a voice for change and as the Human Rights Ambassador of South Asia was a deeply proud moment for me. It strengthened my commitment to use my voice, my work and my platform to inspire a more equal and compassionate world.

As we approach 15th August, I renew my pledge to keep raising my voice, creating meaningful change and inspiring people to recognise the power of their own voice. Freedom is the right to have a voice, to be heard, and to live with dignity. Be aware of your rights — our Indian freedom fighters fought hard for them. Jai Hind. 🇮🇳”

For Sheena, freedom is not merely a chapter in history but a value that needs to be understood, protected and respected by every generation. As India marks 80 years of Independence, she hopes the occasion reminds people of the importance of having the courage to speak, question and be heard — while recognising the rights for which India’s freedom fighters fought so hard.

Her journey as an artist and human rights advocate increasingly places her voice at the intersection of cinema, culture and social impact. Sheena is the only actress to have received the Hero Award at the United Nations, reflecting recognition of her commitment to using her public platform for human rights and equality. Her recent appearance at the United Nations in New York, where she represented India and spoke on these issues, marks another significant chapter in that journey — bringing her voice, and the voice of artists, to a global stage and creating a moment of pride for India.

Through her work and advocacy, Sheena has reached an audience of over 200 million people with messages centred on human rights, equality and the power of individual voice. She is determined to continue expanding that reach — not simply as an actress, but as a South Asian voice using art, cinema and influence to create meaningful change.

As the Human Rights Ambassador of South Asia, Sheena Chohan continues to bring together her voice as an artist and her commitment to human rights, carrying a message of dignity, equality and freedom beyond borders. Her larger purpose is to inspire people to recognise their own voice and use it to make the world around them better.

Her message is simple — “Freedom is the right to have a voice, to be heard, and to live with dignity.”

Wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳