The nation celebrated its 74th independence day. The celebrations took us back in a time of euphoria. For people born post-independence, especially in the seventies and after, it is a matter of imagination. The period happened to be laden with the fervour of festivity and expression of ecstasy which would come from within hearts. The school children in uniforms would circumambulate city roads holding the national flag, raising slogans and singing patriotic songs. After the culmination of flag hosting, sweetmeats were distributed.
Three-fourth of a century has passed since 'WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA' attained freedom after years of strife and supreme sacrifices of illustrious freedom-fighters and people. The journey all through had been an arduous one. Newly liberated but vivisected and bleeding nation was passing through traumatic times. Post-partition exodus had changed many things. Looted and dejected, the desperate victims of communal frenzy continuously poured in. Confidence building among people and rehabilitation of refugees were of utmost importance. The country had to be rebuild. Since then, we have come a long way. Constitution was adopted; paired with a robust system of governance the country staggeringly rose, started a journey on the path of progress. During the difficult times when the nation was rising, the hostile neighbours back-stabbed and thrust five wars.
Despite all odds, people took up the daunting task of rebuilding a new nation with firm resolve, commitment and missionary zeal. The path was rough and the journey arduous. The journey started with initial hiccups. Initially, the pace of development was neither fast nor was focussed because of the feeble governments, unable to take tough decisions. The rampant corruption caused delayed completion of the projects with sub-standard results. A large number of villages were unelectrified and devoid of basic amenities like clean drinking water, health and sanitation. Infrastructure development was equal to nothing. The loopholes have now been plugged and the lethargic system revamped.
Despite all odds, however, we have come to the point of take-off. Speaking from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15th August 2020, Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi said that there was a need to give a new direction to the overall infrastructure development of the country. He emphasized the importance of breaking the era of "working in silos".
Villages are now clean and uncluttered with CC drains, roads, sanitation and toilets. The fruit of technologies is reaching rural areas that are being connected with optical fibre networks to augment the use of information and computer technology. Prime Minister Modi laid the aim of connecting six lakh villages with the optical fibre network within 1000 days. Farmers are now becoming more self-reliant; getting appropriate returns of their produce. Rural poor womenfolks have been provided with gas connections and burners to cook food in a healthy environment with ease.
Defence forces are getting modern warfare, ammunitions and communication networks. In sharp contrast to the time of 1962 when the Bravehearts fought with bare minimum amenities and outdated weapons on high altitude under frigid conditions, the adequately equipped armed forces are on guard, face to face with the enemy at LAC and LOC. The borders, under the able surveillance of alert security forces and army, are now safe. Efficacious patrolling has significantly contained infiltration and aggression. The perpetrators of terrorism have been cornered and befittingly replied. Bharat, now a self-sustaining and powerful nation, is being viewed with respect all over the world. The hostile neighbours with the expansionist ideology, have realized it thoroughly.
With a whooping139 crores population, India is the second most populous and seventh-largest country is the world's largest democracy. Blessed with lingual diversity, customs and cultures, India is one from length and breadth. A firm believer in democratic values, people tend to resolve differences and intricate problems through dialogues under the framework of the Constitution. Momentous and historical decisions, taken in the recent past, testify to the maturity of people. Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A pertaining to Jammu&Kashmir and Ladakh. Albeit an integral part of India, there were serious discrepancies. The state was divided into two separate areas declaring them Union Territories simultaneous to abrogation. Terror funding by Pakistan has effectively been curtailed and till now the terror-ridden area is fast returning to normalcy.
With such a vast geographical area and huge but creative population problems are intrinsic. The state that reeled under terrorism and anarchy has to be brought back to normalcy. The present government is addressing issues with utmost care as per law and norms. The opposition is a crucial component in a democratic setup. Constructive opposition is a linchpin of the system which helps in steering the government to move in a proper direction. It not only points out the flaws of government and criticizes it but suggests means as well. It is incumbent upon them to maintain dignity and keep the national interest in mind while doing so. The opposition loses its sheen when to remain in the limelight for parochial gains, it starts aimless scathing without suggesting healthy means and considering the facts. It amounts to befooling people. A balance ought to be maintained for a healthy democracy to flourish. It will help in the speedy development process.
No comments:
Post a Comment