When independent India turns 76
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When another Independence Day comes around, everyone remembers the special celebrations, programs and projects that took place during and after the 75th anniversary last year. It was marked by events of welfare, development- and celebration under the title 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The end of the two-century-long rule by alien powers was not limited to the passing of rule to native hands. It resulted in the ushering in of systems of governance to achieve their own welfare. The British, as the last colonial power to exist across the country, were not here to give good governance and welfare to the natives, but only to further the economic and political interests of the empire. The dream of independence was realized when, when the winds of freedom were blowing all over, the Indian people decided that through struggles and non-violent resistance they would not allow foreign rule to continue. And in parallel, when the scattered local kingdoms also became part of united India, the entity of India came into being. The nation's success in establishing its own existence in the backdrop of the global might of an empire that never sets, is a proud historical memory that will dominate the Indian people. on such occasions. And the sad fact that parts of undivided India were separated into East and West Pakistan should also form part of this sense of history.
76 years following this tryst with history, and armed with freedom, the country has made strides in all spheres. When the population of 34 crores in 1947 has grown to nearly 141 crores today, making it the most populous country in the world, now it has grown into the third largest economy in the world with a GDP of 3.73 trillion dollars in 2023 from a GDP of 2.76 lakh crore rupees, as per official figures. This is the result of 76 years of phenomenal growth. It must also be acknowledged that this was not without ups and downs at certain phases. A country deserves the definition of freedom when its government, resource mobilization and utilization, and justice system are independent and answerable eventually to the will of the people. Today, the nation has put in place the systems for this through the constitution and thanks to the foresight of the forefathers in the leadership of the nation.
It also disturbs us that while the nation, which today consists of 28 states and eight Union Territories (including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh), is marching in the path of economic and technological progress, the imbalances of development have kept a large section of the population out of that good fortune. That however need not detract from an I-Day sentiment that the nation is able to exist as a diverse state despite linguistic, religious and caste differences. But even in this, there are events and situations that make one wonder if serious damage has been caused to this picture of diversity. Further, even when a massive system comprising democratic elections, legislatures and institutions of the justice system remain intact, the nation is forced to to see defections that a mockery of the will of the people, government abuses that neutralize the judiciary, sectarian campaigns that distort the rule of law, politics of hatred that affects plurality and eats away at the nation.
Despite the achievement of political independence, economic dependence is a challenge for India like any other country of current times. Part of this may be a by-product of interdependence on a global scale, a phenomenon that has come into existence through globalization. However, globalization itself has today become a watered down concept. Import restrictions and levies are today beginning to reverse the original concept of globalization. An example is the recent central decision to regulate import of computer products and related components. The question is whether the country's decisions can be made without pressure from another power. Equally crucial is whether the decisions of governments are made independently by the will of the people or under pressure of internal and external economic forces; and the answer will not give a rosy picture. Above all, an appraisal whether the benefits of freedom is being ensured equally for all sections of the people in the availability of justice will also raise concern. The patriots are saddened by the fact that the freedom earned by those who fought and laid down their lives with blood and sweat is suffocating under the regimes of those who sweat to shed blood. When the nation reaches the age of 76, a long enough period for a country, the deepest agony of patriots comes from the injury to the fundamental credo of harmony and solidarity. If nothing else, on this Independence Day, the pledge that the country - especially those who are in the leadership of the country - should take is to create in the people a spirit of embracing everyone in the bond of one nation.
