‘Our dreams have not been fulfilled’

It’s been 59 years since India became a Republic. But most of the surviving freedom fighters feel that the sacrifices made by them to see India as an independent, sovereign republic, have not borne fruit. The country continues to be confronted with myriad problems— poverty, corruption, social inequality, caste system and the recent terror threats, to name a few. DNA spoke to VS Krishna Iyer, a former freedom fighter who was also a Lok Sabha member, on the past, present and future of India.

Today we are celebrating our 60th Republic day. Have the dreams of our freedom fighters like you been realised?
When we were under the British rule, we felt that independence will be the answer to all our problems. Once independent, we thought, things like inequality, poverty and unemployment would become things of the past. But unfortunately, decades after we have become free and India became a republic, a large section of the society continues to wallow in poverty. There is a lot of social disparity. It is true that India has made progress, especially in the field of technology, but a lot is left to be achieved. So you can say, our dreams have not been fulfilled wholly.

What do you feel about present-day politics?
I must say that the present political situation makes me sad. Most of the politicians today, have no moral values and principles. One day they will be in one party, and the next day in another. They change their parties like they change their clothes! It is an unfortunate situation.

Do you think people still believe in the Gandhian principles?
Very few people respect or follow Gandhian principles today. Our politicians, in the name of Gandhiji, pursue all types of illegal and immoral activities. One of the most important ideologies of Gandhiji was the development of villages and encouragement of rural handicrafts and khadi. But now, in the era of liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation, the ‘Swadeshi’ concept seems to have lost its worth.

Does the government take advice of freedom fighters on developmental issues?
No. Neither the state government nor the Centre seek the advice of freedom fighters on developmental issues. Even if we voluntarily offer suggestion, they don’t pay heed.  Sometimes, they call us for meetings  just for the sake of it. But that is not enough; the government should involve the freedom fighters in the constructive development of the society.

What will be your message to today’s youth?
The country’s future lies in the hands of its youth. Youngsters must take the responsibility to solve social issues like elimination of poverty, corruption and the caste menace. Unless, we are able to free our country from these  evils, progress is not possible. People should be aware of what is happening around them and also seek to clean up the political system.