As we complete 66 years of independence, it seems as if 66 is just another number that adds up after 1947. If we are to celebrate the occasion we will have to first ask ourselves whether we have really made progress. It appears that the country made a lot of progress while under colonial rule, as compared with that under the various governments since Independence.
Our villagers still thirst for water, education is a distant dream for many children and kids die because they do not get proper food. As this situation gets worse and the gap between the haves and the have-nots widens, corruption is rampant and the money is stashed away in foreign banks. Hardly any projects see the light of day as they get tangled in red tape or controversy and their fate will rest with the courts for no one knows how long. And we will enjoy more holidays than there are festivals to celebrate.
So, which part of the word “Independence” did we not understand correctly? Or did we read it as “in dependence”? I dream of an independent India where the needs of the common people are satisfied and they are proud to be Indians. Let not the vision of a shining India be a mirage. Let’s hoist the flag in the pride of our achievements daily. There’s much to do before we can truly celebrate Independence. Nevertheless, for those who have planned a weekend holiday, I wish you all a happy Independence Day.
(The writer lives in Navi Mumbai.)
Mere desh ki dharti for the neglected
It is saddening to see that even after 66 years of independence many of us Indians are fighting over caste and religion, we have a low level of literacy, there is child labour, farmers commit suicide, children die due to malnutrition and women are attacked. This is the country where people also sing: “Mere desh ki dharti sona ugle, ugle hire moti, mere desh ki dharti...” (The land of my country produces gold, it produces diamonds and pearls, The land of my country!) Who has the neo-capitalism, or the so-called liberalisation of the 1990s helped? More than half the population does not have access to proper drinking water or sanitation in a country that is seeing the fastest growing sales of electronic goods.
There is neither any basic health or education facilities nor housing or employment for the majority, while a small number pile up a fortune. Besides, many government-managed companies are languishing due to high-cost operations. Today, we are heavily dependent on the service sector. I may sound like a pessimist, but while I hope that things will get better, I look around and am scared. I wish Independence Day will renew our efforts to lead us into a bright future.
—CU Venugopal, Thane
We’re better off than our neighbours
As we celebrate our 67th Independence Day, while we will complain about the innumerable problems that we face, it is also important to acknowledge the progress we have made in different areas. This, no doubt, has raised the standard of living of our people. India is in a far better position than most of its neighbours, which are crumbling under their own weight. We should be optimistic that India is on the path of progress.
—Ketan R Meher, Mumbai
Paradox of India
For a few centuries we were ruled by foreign powers. Today, we are subordinate to our own corrupt politicians. Still we celebrate. What a paradox! One takes pride in being Indian, yet is ashamed to be called so.
—Suru Shivdasani, by email
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