For too long we might have realised that the 20th century had failed us. In contrast, by the 19th century; the culture of Indian subcontinent was in full flower. The Hindu values were primary moral forces behind.
Hence, we may look at the new century -- especially the post-2026 scenario with some optimism.
But before that we may try to understand certain facets of the past. The 20th century history and politics gave us new barriers and the perceived the "irre-conciliable" differences.
India was partitioned and Pakistan was born. Within 25 years - Pakistan was split and Bangladesh was born. Closer home in Bharat (also called India) -- the greatest enemy today is not Pakistan, China or even the so-called 'deep state' and unforeseen foreign hands. But it is the Indian ourselves or let us say 'themselves'. Why ?
We have fewer Indians and millions of Bengalis, Punjabis, Maharashtrians, Nagas, Meiteis etc etc. We have other divisions - tribal, non-tribal, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Jains.
Further more - we have Dalits, we have Yadavs, we have Thakurs, OBCs and Patels. The list can go on till eternity. But when it comes to nation building and the pillars required for the same -- the foremost 'pillar' is the sense of National Identity.
Long back Sri Aurobindo had said: "A free and united India will be there and the Mother will gather around her sons and weld them into a single national strength in the life of a great and united people".
Hope springs eternal in th human breast. So, optimism is relevant too. Nevertheless, we have problems and challenges. We are all individuals and perhaps not the citizens of a cohesive nation. The 'indiscipline' more often seems "ingrained" in Indian character. As a nation, must we realise that -- Non-cooperation is like a distressing feature.
Many years back, Nani Palkhivala had lamented that India lives in a moral vacuum. He also recommended "a bold surgery" for the diseased heart of the nation.
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| Palkhivala |
There was a time when our elders spoke about Partition. They would lament that the post-partition generations had no idea of what sort of people lived a few miles across the border. This is true. But we have moved along pretty far too.
Now the younger generation in India - Gen Zee - as we might call them do not know what sort of India we have been before 2014.
The corruption at every place seemed normal. Train reservation was not on mobile. Tickets had to be booked even four months before in around 2005 or so. Bribing at every entry-point was normal. Cockroaches in train compartments were also normal. I can go on !
Talking politically - those who are talking about 'democracy' today legitimised Emergency when fundamental rights were suspended.
People have forgotten in Kolkata that 17 Ananda Margis were butchered. Of course, in Gujarat - I have experienced youngsters do not know much about Godhra train carnage of 2002 or they deliberately feign ignorance.
The younger lots offer different pictures in more ways than one.
Hence, there is an added responsibility on the society and the nation. A strong India is not a Narendra Modi agenda. It is the aspiration of Indians.
Amid all these we have shameless characters - who are glorified by Vitenam travelers. They may seek aspirations from Bangladeshi fundamentalists. Because there is a motive behind all that.
There are multiple factors for that. But what ought to be underlined is that 'sharing' of knowledge and research in science and other subjects that could have benefited common people has been lacking. There is change in the entire game now.
Instead of appreciating the developments made in last 12-13 years, a great number of Indians today have given themselves a new mission - demean India's achievements and strong points.
The Indian democracy was hailed and trusted across the globe. The Election Commission was respected. But now Indians and a foreign sponsored ecosystem have damaged its reputation by raking up wrong issues and in an entirely wrong manner. There is a tendency to justify anarchy.
These lobbies wanted episodes such as Paris-burning in Delhi too. The Delhi police have handled them well. But there is a need to know more.
Some of it has to be done by the government. Perhaps even Judiciary has to do its part.
What else should get priority ?
The 'inclusive governance' is two-way traffic. The Govt must do more than it has been doing. But voters must respond positively. If roads are good in their areas and there are houses for the poor and toilets - people must applaud the political forces who are responsible for these transitions.
In the last 12-13 years; the Modi Govt has helped 'expand economic opportunities' for poor people by stimulating so-called economic growth and perhaps also by making markets better.
There has been good encouragement for strengthening the participation of poor and marginalised people in local decision making affecting their lives and removing social barriers.
There is more to be done. There is need to further reduce common people's vulnerability to sickness and economic shocks, joblessness and crop failures or natural and man-made disasters.
Finally, a nation needs to rise and there are chances we will be seriously marginalised in the new world order of globalisation (which have started failing) and a completely new era of IT revolution and Artificial Intelligence.
ends
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