India celebrated its 73rd Independence Day with unusual gaiety as PM Modi unfurled the tricolour, addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Less than ten days ago, India made drastic governance and administrative changes in the status of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The chief take-aways from the Prime Minister were a rap on the knuckles of fear-mongers and rumour spreaders over the abrogation of provisions of Art 370. He also emphasised the right to equality to Muslim women while justifying the abolishing the practice of Triple Talaq. Justice will only reach the citizens when the country opts for one constitution, which I guess is the weightiest statement of the day. He also added a ‘one nation one poll’ in the speech.
A check on Population growth has been time and again quoted by BJP, which was emphasised by PM Modi as well. Water resources management is being taken up as the next most significant endeavour of the government. PM repeated the usual rhetoric, a corruption-free India, and the new chant a US$ 5 Trillion economy. A new Chief of Defence Staff is soon to be appointed as well. His attack on the ‘dynasty,’ could have been mainly for the consumption of his party. Modi knows well that by the end of his second term, he cannot still blame Congress and must prove his party’s worth and credibility.
The thrill of his first address during 2014 lacked now perhaps, due to the performance gap in their first term. The image of the government and the PM seemed a bit salvaged because of his recent J&K manoeuvres, which has gone well with most of India.
I would attach the highest emphasis on Modi’s ‘one nation one constitution,’ which would mean a Uniform Civil Code, as prevalent in most countries. The other aspect, One nation one poll might require a closer study and frank debates over the issue, to check its suitability to our nation. Corruption has seeped back into most government departments, though the PM assured to root out the evil.
Democracy has left its obvious extremes as well. A belligerent media, an army of activists often promoted by foreign vested interests opposed to our growth and stability and doubting toms claiming to be intellectuals on any and every statement or endeavour of the government. For them, the nation and its image matter little, while being pathetically abusive of the government. Opposing Modi and therefore all that he does, regardless of the benefits that may accrue to our country.
I dream of a government, which shall serve the entire society, irrespective of caste, the creed of its citizens. At the same time, the citizens must respect a democratically elected government in carrying out its committed actions in the best interest of the nation.
Jai Hind!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
