Yet Another 26 January

We all celebrated 26 January – 60th anniversary of our being a republic. Fireworks – salutes to the tiranga – distribution of awards – parades – display of our military might and all that. But amidst all this celebration, the real question has been messed up somewhere. We boast of being a democracy for six decades and tease out our neighbours for not being so but the billion dollars question is sidelined to the background: Are we really democratic? Have we lived up to the ideals cherished vociferously in the Constitution? Does the intention of Constituent Assembly, dreams of the Gandhis, Nehrus and Azads have been fulfilled or not? If analysed in this perspective we are sorry to confess as Indians that our tryst with destiny has not come true.

First is the threat to the very sovereignty of India. Our non-alignment has proved to be a farce (at least after 1990s). Our foreign policy has repeatedly tiptoed the dictates of Washington. Our recurrent votes against Iran in IAEA (that were also against our own national interest), our donning away with gas pipeline and instead opting for the expensive and ill-famed nuclear deal, commercialisation of education, excessive privatisation, reduction  of vital subsidies, lavish investment in infrastructure – are just the tip of the iceberg – aage aage dekhiye hota hai kya?

In short, India is a nation of festivals, we can celebrate the Republic Day as yet another festival. But if we want to gain something, if we have the sense of responsibility and accountability, if we want to fulfil the dreams of our forefathers – we must celebrate this day as introspection day and must take audacious steps to meet above mentioned challenges or else 26th Januarys have come and gone and they’ll continue to come and go without giving us anything.

Let’s pledge to make these celebrations and these days more substantial and meaningful!