Sixty-eight years ago today (15 August 1947) India gained independence after almost a thousand years of external domination. India is one of the ancient civilisations and its size, population, several languages, cultural and economic variations are mind boggling for others. It's contradictions though of gigantic size, its core commitment to remain united is also unique.
The birth of an independent nation was a result of an imperial bifurcation when millions were forced to migrate and hundreds of thousands perished in religious bigotry. Both India and Pakistan had to adjust to the new reality with unparalleled challenges.
India has remained united, democratic, secular. That in itself is a great achievement. It has never been experienced before anywhere on the planet. European Union is struggling to become a Union. Soviet Union has disintegrated, Republic of China which came into being in 1949 has its own uphill task in the years to come.
Singapore has completed 50 years as an independent city state with one of the highest per capita income. A harmonious entity amidst three racial groups (Chinese, Malays and Indians), the sparkly clean and one of the lowest crime rate. It's population of 3 million is reaching 7 million.
Lee Kuan Yew created an almost miracle. But let's remember again, it is a small city state, with its own challenges in that South East Asia, where Chinese hegemony can create surprises or shocks. No doubt communist China has come a long way since 1979. Within a communist state it has a capitalist economy. What is the next phase for China? You can have your pick. It can, if it so desires follow the path of Taiwan or South Korea to transform into a democracy. One wishes it happens.
Indians have opted to remain democratic with all its constrains and compulsions. The constitution of India is a unique document for all Indians, irrespective of religion, caste or colour. By and large various governments have remained faithfully committed to the constitution.
Since May 2014 a new era has begun, where youth, women and under privileged millions are more confident, hopeful and assertive. Narendra Modi has raised expectations, promised just a little short of moon for his compatriots. India has to do a lot, to create employment for 10 million every month, education levels have to improve, all round development is the need of the time, and yet surprisingly with all its limitations, the moral of the people of India is perhaps at its highest peak in the last 68 years.
When we read reports in the western media especially that Modi stumbles on land reform, national sales tax, infrastructure development, labour laws etc, we do agree with all. Such are not wrong questions and yet an average Indian can see all such important issues in the context of the reality, the political reality in the present day India.
Surprisingly to some BJP gained clear majority in lock Sabha (lower House of Parliament) but Congress and opponent of BJP have a large majority in upper house (Rajya Sabha).
Several important legislations are delayed within the parliamentary procedure. Neither Narendra Modi nor any of his supporters have to apologise. It's a game of patience and perseverance. Of course the parliamentary gerry meandering reminds us of BJP's own action in the second half of the last parliament. But the congress revenge strategy in the first phase of this parliament is not likely to make it more popular or credit worthy.
Indians have shown again and again that a ballot is far more preferable than bullet. India has evolved, inspite of its own uphill tasks within the frame work of human values and dignity.
Today, I presume Indians would still rather prefer to follow the path laid down by the founding fathers of freedom than copy cat a central command or a communist dictatorship.
Long live India, Jai hind, Jai Britain.
- CB
