In free India, one really does not know where to go for honesty, cleanliness and conscience, laments DR. S. AUSAF SAIED VASFI
As the over-a-billion strong plural nation enters into its 63rd year of freedom, it seems appropriate to cast a brief, critical eye on Bharat’s achievements and failures. We do so because self criticism and self analysis ensures health with longevity.
There is no denying the fact that India has progressed during the last six decades. It has made significant strides in multi-dimensional technology, trade and commerce and medicine. We in our own right, are today a nuclear power, besides being a military, a naval and an air power of the region. The markets of south east and west Asia are flooded with Indian goods. Although quality-wise our products are not on a par with those of the Western countries, we occupy a respectable place in this regard in the advancing third world. Our GDP too is not in a bad shape although the worst drought in decades has cast a shadow on it. Inflation is below zero for the first time in 30 years.
SHORT SHRIFT
Having said that, it is also to be noted that our progress is lopsided and leaves much to be desired. We as a nation have not only given short shrift to higher values and principles, but have also kept quiet at our degradation at national level. Can this degeneration be stopped?
Before dealing with the all important question, let us, once again, reaffirm our faith in democracy. Although democracy is not the last word on good governance, it has worked almost satisfactorily in heterogeneous Bharat.
It is noteworthy that none of the countries which got independence exactly or almost simultaneously with India, could not present a report card without red lines. Pakistan is the worst example. It had been brought into existence as a laboratory of Islam. But it has not hitherto been able to function even as a nation-state of Muslims.
ASIA AND AFRICA
So happened with many countries in Asia and Africa. Take for example Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana or Sukarno’s Indonesia or Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. Absolute power pushed them either towards one-party democracy or president for life.
Here, the late Pt Jawaharlal Nehru stood like a rock and power failed to corrupt him though some of his colleagues and successors could not resist the temptation.
Of course, corruption is a great scourge. But the greater scourge is the anti-minority ambience of the day whose roots lie in pre-1947 India. It looks as if each and every Muslim is a suspect if not an active terrorist. This ball of hatred was set rolling by Israel and America after 9/11 although it was already in motion in Bharat.
Recall the concerted efforts aimed at assimilation in the name of integration. Add to it the selective essays in annihilation. Further add the controversial killings of Muslim youth in the so-called encounters. The Batla House killing is just one of them. On top happens to remain the Gujarat pogrom and the demolition of Babri Masjid. Each and every formula in the textbook was tried to keep eternally Muslims in the dock and on the defensive.
Just cast a glance at the Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee Report to understand how systematically the Muslim minority as a whole has been kept backward.
$1,456 BILLION
Corruption is the third subject which stares right across the face of free India. The point today is: Who is not corrupt? Perhaps, one who has not found an appropriate opportunity! In some cases the sleaze has, by the big fish, been kept in safe vaults abroad. To quote Dr PC Alexander (The Asian Age, August 14, 2009): “In October 2008, most newspapers published the surprising fact that India was on top of the list of depositors in Swiss banks and that if our government sends a request for the list of depositors, Swiss banks will provide the information. According to estimates, Indians have $1,456 billion in Swiss banks, which is more money than what the rest of the world has put together in these banks.”
HIGHER VALUES BREACHED
If you look at the general level, you would find the curve of morality at the lowest rung. The Harshad Mehtas, the Abdulrehman Telgis and the Natwarlals abound in the country. The matter does not end at economic offences.
Of late, the time-honoured citadel of chastity, virginity and fidelity has been, and is being, breached – by whom? – By fathers, by brothers, by brothers-in-law, by neighbours, by friends, by acquaintances and by blood relations. Things do not stop at incest.
Now sodomy is being sought to be given respectability through law. To some of our judges, it does not sound odd or outrageous.
In free India, one really does not know where to go for honesty, cleanliness and conscience.
Yes! There is remedy: Return to Allah, His Prophets, His Last Prophet (may Allah bless and greet him) and the Day of Judgement.
The problem, however, is the very mention of this recipe causes displeasure to many.