ANOTHER INDEPENDENCE DAY ROUND THE CORNER!

There are actually a few days in a year that fill, if not all but most of us, with certain pride of being citizens of this great country, India. It is right and good to feel this way! When I think of the Independence Day what comes to mind is the celebration that marks across the country burying our differences at least for a while apparently; the military prowess that is on display and the cultural heritage of our nation are things that define our celebration at the national level besides the fiery speeches by our eminent leaders. I have been particularly excited about the Independence Day round the corner for it being the 70th anniversary of our independence. Hence, my reflection is not something customary that we hear from our schools and colleges – at least that is what I have been hearing all these years - on that day deploring the miserable conditions of the masses across the length and breadth of our great nation. However, I cannot but make a reference to this malady so great and evident.
If the world can accuse us of anything that is perhaps being not realistic or over exaggerating our progress. I really mean it because in a democracy it seems the falsehood could be amplified even at the cost of blinding ourselves to the naked truth. It is good that we celebrate our Independence Day in a fitting way as it should be done. This in no way should take away our eyes from the truth that is staring at us! The truth of the so called ‘social exclusions’, ‘poverty’, ‘illiteracy’, ‘corruption,’ ‘selfishness’, to name only a few. There is nothing that we lack in terms of natural resources yet the country contains a sizable population under below poverty line. Every one promises the moon during elections only to keep the people to live with illusions. It is great sadness when seeing the misery around us, engulfing us!
What saddens one is not so much the stark reality of social injustice but the failure of our overall system itself. I am not a socialist! I, for one, would never buy that theory – I believe democracy is a workable form of governance. We have systematically abused democracy and have made it corrupt. The question is who will set it right? To whom should we entrust this task so great? For sure, we cannot entrust to the legislators alone for they cannot do it alone – no need to discuss their capability here which is known to all! It is the task especially of all especially, the students and their educators!
How can we reform? First of all we need to acknowledge that we, in general, are not politically informed as we should be. Democracy is effective in as much as we contribute towards its efficacy. There are no political gods and goddess in a democracy! It is too difficult to call on the elderly to be politically informed. It is possible for students to be so.
Is this mere knowing going to alter the course of the country that has been determined by a few legislators or social practices? Any change takes place when there is a sustained involvement of those who wish to change the certain evil practices of society and politics. For instance, in a democracy we have the right to voice our opinions even criticize the evil practices of any leader, however, popular or powerful he or she be. Exerting pressure through democratic means is one of the effective means of overcoming even overthrowing anything that is evil. How many of us know that a good number of our political leaders have criminal records or even corrupt? It is not that we do not know but do not care. Cast aside the apathy and get actively involved as people who truly wish to see an illustrious country rather than one decorated on special occasions! Arise let us be informed to form the conscience of the nation to take it forward without succumbing to those forces and people who plunder this great nation!

  

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