Mohammad Naushad Khan analyses President Ram Nath Kovind’s Republic Day speech.
Every year Indians put their heads together to celebrate the Republic Day with great pomp and show. The gala event is marked to highlight the strength of the nation through military might, decade’s long social and cultural proximity, togetherness and unity in diversity through different tableaux from various states. But have we ever seriously pondered over why we celebrate it. Do we really, on this day, introspect as to how far we have lived up to the ideals and the spirit of the Constitution, and what else is needed to be done in order to make it a reality, in letter and spirit?
The debate on this day calls to find answers to some basic points: will our Constitution, its spirit and ideals of democracy, secularism, justice, equality, human dignity, unity and the integrity of the nation survive? On the Republic Day eve, President Ram Nath Kovind’s speech was indeed impressive in terms of content and the message which was aimed at driving home the point and at the same time to reflect the contour of the speech to ASEAN Heads of State and Government who were in New Delhi on this special occasion. The leaders from all 10 Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei were chief guests at the ceremonial parade at Rajpath.
This Republic Day was significant in a sense that this time instead of having one chief guest, our guests were ASEAN Heads of State and Government. This was made out keeping in mind the economic strength that can be visualised from this mega event and to keep China on toes in order to counter China’s economic corridor by expanding India’s economic base through mutual cooperation and bilateral relations with these heads of States.
Many analysts believe that congenial atmosphere is the first requirement to maximise the outcome from any negotiating table if investment is on the platter and economic horizon on the cards. So before thinking of opening up economic channels and alluring investment from any quarter it is equally important to provide the kind of ambience that is required at home, peace and firm law and order mechanism at place. On the contrary, lawlessness, hooliganism and chaos following release of a film might have surely attracted the attention of these ASEAN Heads of State who were in India with a different frame of mind.
“India’s “Act East policy” reinforces our ancient links with Southeast Asia through enhanced political, security, economic and cultural ties. India greatly values ASEAN’s role as a proponent of peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” President Kovind said while welcoming the heads of 10 ASEAN nations.
Later, President Kovind, after hosting a lunch in their honour, said, “India-ASEAN relations have come a long way since we established our Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN on January 28, 1992. Today, ASEAN is a Strategic Partner for India. We have 30 dialogue mechanisms between India and ASEAN, including Annual Summits and 7 Ministerial Meetings in a wide range of sectors.”
The President of India, during his address to the nation, said, “Where one can disagree with another viewpoint – or even with a historical context – without mocking a fellow citizen’s dignity and personal space. This is fraternity in action.” Many believe probably he was referring to the recent pandemonium and chaos and lawlessness over the film Padmaavat and intolerance.
President Kovind emphasised that the foundations of our country are equality, secularism and friendship. It is true and no one can deny that. However it is also important to think about how these fine words reflect on the ground and translate these words into action. Here it becomes the duty and responsibility of the Government and the people to give valuable meaning to these foundations of our country in order to serve the purpose of celebrating the Republic day.
“The nation’s freedom fighters fought not only for the nation’s independence, but also for social change. More than 60 per cent of Indian citizens are below 35 years of age. They are the future of our country. We have to work to build a better nation, where every citizen works to his or her full potential,” said President Kovind. We need to keep up with the times and follow sustainable development, he said. “A Republic is its people. Citizens do not just make up and preserve a Republic; they are its ultimate stakeholders and in fact pillars. Each one of us is a pillar,” he said.
“Above all, our republic cannot rest and cannot be satisfied without meeting the basic needs and essential dignity of our less well-off brothers and sisters… It is our sacred obligation to eliminate the curse of poverty in the shortest possible time. This is non-negotiable for the republic,” he added. The President also said that institutions are important than individuals. However, it is important to note that the Republic Day speech did not touch the very important issue; to some it may be as that of safety and security of minorities, Dalits and weaker and downtrodden sections of the society.