New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) TV actors, whose popularity with the masses now rival movie stars, exhorted the youth to become more responsible citizens of the country on its Independence Day and take pride in its achievements.

"It's a very important day for all Indians but unfortunately it's losing its importance. The new generation should be aware of what pride does this day holds in an Indian's life and I appeal to all to be responsible citizens," said actor Sameer Soni, who plays the lead in Colors' new show "Parichay …Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka".

Yash Tonk, who is currently being seen in Zee TV's "Shobha Somnath Ki", said: "It is a day to be proud for every Indian as on this day we got our independence. If every Indian starts treating the country as their home, all problems will be automatically solved."

"Just as we take the utmost care of our home and family members, we should do the same for our country and its citizens too. It's not the job of the government or one particular person but the collective responsibility of all Indian citizens," he added.

Pratyusha Banerjee, Anandi of "Balika Vadhu", said: "This Independence Day I want to request our youth to focus on education and use their knowledge in India's development and growth instead of settling in another nation."

Avinash Sachdev, who plays Dev in "Choti Bahu", said: "Independence Day is a day when we pay homage to our freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives to liberate our motherland from foreign plunderers. Be it the war of 1857 or the Kargil war more recently, each soldier has contributed to making our lives safer in some way. We should never forget what they did for our country. I'd like to salute their spirit."

Meghna Malik: "Independence Day is more like a person having an independent thought and mind. If we need to make our nation a better place for the generations to come, we need to think and see that are thoughts are converted into actions. That is the way forward to making a better India."

Shabbir Ahluwalia: "I've been celebrating Independence Day since I was a child more so since my dad was in the army. Wherever my dad was based, we would celebrate the Independence Day there. I follow this even here in Mumbai, we hoist the flag; listen to patriotic songs the whole day. It's more like a celebration of a festival for me."

Apara Mehta: "August 15th and January 26th according to me, are even bigger days then our festivals. I believe our country should focus more on these days rather than focusing just on festivals."

Karan Grover: "Freedom to me means freedom to travel anywhere around the globe, live life to the fullest and on my own terms. It's about living life peacefully without interference from outside entities. I am thankful that my country gives me freedom as my constitutional rights and I salute the heroes who won back our independence."