We, as an independent nation, have completed 71 years of our eventful journey. By the Grace of God, ours is the second largest concentration of the vicegerents of Allah on earth, perhaps the only known planet where life exists and humans thrive.
We have all the major religions, 29 States plus some Union Territories, hundreds of ethnic communities, 22 national languages, hundreds of dialects, over 700 districts and around six lakh villages. Perhaps we are the most multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country. We welcomed with open arms Central Asians, North-east Asians, Iranians, Arabs and a host of people from different lands. In short, ours is a nation of nations and a country of immigrants. You would rarely find such variety in any other country.
We are now 135 crore strong or one-sixth of humanity. Now we are the fifth largest economy and may become the third largest in two to three decades. But unfortunately our per capita income (PCI) is just $1600, one of the lowest in the world and one-fifth of what our Chinese neighbours earn and a little better than that of Pakistan.
Projections reveal that 29 years from now in 2047, our population would be 170 crore and PCI $16,000. At that time Hindus would be 130 crore and Muslims 31.45 crore.
We may become a powerful nation, perhaps one of the foremost industrial powers which would have banished poverty, illiteracy and disease.
But there is a big BUT. All these achievements are dependent on an atmosphere of peace, amity, cooperation, mutual understanding, broadmindedness and an all-inclusive mentality, and of course hard work, meritocracy and innovative vision.
If we do not contain communal forces, counter fascist tendencies, suppress lawlessness, God forbid we may not be able to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and may even endanger the very integrity of the country.
Let us resolve to protect the Constitution, uphold rule of law and stand for justice and human rights. Muslims have a very important responsibility to make their contribution towards building a peaceful, prosperous and morally excellent country. Let all of us join hands to uplift the downtrodden sections and make justice available to every citizen. May Allah give us wisdom, strength and resources to do our duty and fulfil our responsibility! Happy Independence Day and Peace and Prosperity!