Conflagrations in Democracy: A Peep in Causes and Cure

 

Vector courtesy: pixabay.com

British Prime Minister Boris Jhonson, while on a two-day tour to India, said, “India is a very different country from autocracies around the world. It’s a great democracy. It’s a stunning, shining fact that 1.35 billion people live under a democracy. That is something we should celebrate as it offers us an opportunity for closer cooperation and partnership.”  Mr Jhonson was speaking at a press conference on 22 April 2022.

With an age-old democratic system, India is now the world’s biggest democracy. With its elaborate and foolproof electoral system, it is robust and deep-rooted. However, there is a thorn in the flesh harmful to a harmonious society. Three-quarters of a century ago, the world saw that the people of a great country break the shackles of slavery to become a free nation in 1947. India was a free nation but wounded, profusely bleeding and vivisected. Staggering initially, the nation started to become strong and determined to walk on the road to success. The journey was bumpy but the people did it. There are still bumps, potholes and challenges but the pleasure is to conquer them all and achieve the goal. 

One such challenge, the cancerous rot of communalism, is yet to be treated effectively. Without going into the past, the recent incidence of communal flares would satisfactorily meet the requirement of this discussion. There had been a series of conflagrations in various parts of India, especially in the Northern part. The spark was ignited on 02nd April 2022 from Karauli, Rajasthan where on the onset of Vikram Samvat, a procession, organised with prior government permission, was pelted with stones followed by a rapid spread of arson and riot. The magnitude was such that numerous shops were gutted, vehicles torched and a curfew was imposed. This was followed by the incidence of riots, arson, stone-pelting and mayhem on festive occasions across the country. 

The unfortunate incidents including organized and planned riots broke out simultaneously in about twelve places encapsulating Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Goa, Gujrat, Uttarakhand and Delhi on the occasion of Ram Navami (10th April 2022) and Hanuman Jayanti (16th April 2022). The modus operandi of each was similar, indicating meticulous planning. Reports indicated that the sinister plan to malign India was conceived on the soil of a hostile neighbouring country. It was made operational and spread using social media platforms plus sleeper cells. 

 

The worst clashes started in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh on 10th April 2022. It was alleged that the procession (Shobha Yatra) while passing through the communally charged Talab Chowk area, was pelted upon from the roof-tops of houses and places of worship. Police personnel were hurt, and an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police received a gunshot injury while trying to stop a rioter brandishing a sword in the crowd. The other side, however, has a different story. It was counter-alleged that provocation came from the procession that led to the untoward incident. Who instigated the violence and how is a question of enquiry, but it left many innocents in a lurch. It sent a shock wave across the country. The government took stern and timely action. “No one would be spared”, thundered Shivraj Singh Chauhan the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. With the help of video footage, the rioters and hooligans were spotted and arrested. Houses started bulldozing. Ironically, the violence went on deaf ears until the demolition of houses started. Obdurate factionist political leaders, whose survival leaned on hate-mongering and communal politics came onto the central stage. With the parochial divisive agenda of playing the victim card, scathing and painting the government actions with communal hues started. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Musalmeen (AIMIM) chief Mr Assaduddin Owaisi claimed it was a “State complicit violence”, selectively targeted towards Muslims. He also alleged that the selective demolition of Muslim houses was “Illegal and against Geneva Convention”. He conveniently ignored the stark fact of stone-pelting on the procession and rioting. Owaisi in his tweet (22 April 2022), said:

“ “For...Muslims, living in India today effectively means being at the mercy” of a Hindutva govt. Things are unlikely to get better

We must not give in to hopelessness but also not become complacent. Inshallah, these dark clouds will pass”

Following suit, leaders like Shafiqur Rahaman Barq and others were seen blatantly flouting the social norms, spreading hate and fear among the communities. The atmosphere was being charged and drenched with inflammatory hate speeches that rant in the air. The political and self-proclaimed messiah of religious cause also contributed their bits. Social media was brimmed with canards of fiery concocted speeches. A rat race started to appease and polarize communities to win votes.

Council House, Uttar Pradesh
Photo: by author

The whole pantomime, staged by anti-nationals and quislings, was for maligning India’s image in general and Prime Minister Modi in particular. Ostensibly it was done to chip off the meticulously created monolith through the hard work of the people to present a towering image on the international forum. TV reports and a plethora of videos testify to organized hooliganism, arson and stone-pelting. It did not appear spontaneous even considering ‘provocation’ a cause of ignition, as devil’s advocate. It left no doubt about the malicious intention of those who used petrol bombs and brickbats that were pre-piled up for ready availability on the rooftops, besides intimidatingly crowd gathering of hooligans and rioters.

After a lull, the incidence of violence and arson, conflagrations and riots are becoming an order of the day. Society appears to be sitting on a heap of gunpowder. For the last seventy and five years, the people are feeling the brunt of serious riots even after the vivisection of the country and the creation of the “Islamic Republic of Pakistan” based on the “Two Nation Theory”. Jinnah used to put it that Hindus and Muslims were poles apart that could not live together. This stubborn attitude resulted in the religious divide and is continuing to do so. Addressing the Lahore session of the Muslim League on 22nd March 1940, Jinnah said:

“[[23]] It is extremely difficult to appreciate why our Hindu friends fail to understand the real nature of Islam and Hinduism. They are not religions in the strict sense of the word, but are, in fact, different and distinct social orders; and it is a dream that the Hindus and Muslims can ever evolve a common nationality; and this misconception of one Indian nation has gone far beyond the limits and is the cause of more of our troubles and will lead India to destruction if we fail to revise our notions in time. The Hindus and Muslims belong to two different religious philosophies, social customs, and literature[s]. They neither intermarry nor interdine together, and indeed they belong to two different civilisations which are based mainly on conflicting ideas and conceptions. Their aspects [=perspectives?] on life, and of life, are different. It is quite clear that Hindus and Mussalmans derive their inspiration from different sources of history. They have different epics, their heroes are different, and different episode[s]. Very often the hero of one is a foe of the other, and likewise their victories and defeats overlap. To yoke together two such nations under a single state, one as a numerical minority and the other as a majority, must lead to growing discontent, and final. destruction of any fabric that may be so built up for the government of such a state.” 

They wanted and had it. Pakistan is a reality. The religious division, however, failed to cement the two wings of Pakistan which, within about a quarter-century, were torn apart. Bangladesh emerged as a new country on the world map consequence of the civil war in 1971. The politics caused the vivisection, large-scale genocide and exodus way back in 1947. Paradoxically, most of those who instrumentalized the formation of Pakistan did not migrate there. 

It is being repeated in the same token. Politicians, who accepted division during the freedom movement, superficially tried to bandage the wounds of carnage. India opted for a secular system, though the word “Secular” was introduced in the Preamble of the Constitution by way of the 42nd Constitution Amendment in 1976. However, there had been no serious effort to bridge the gap between the two communities instead, the Indian polity adopted a policy of appeasement to garner minority support, ignoring the majority sentiments. 

Mosque in 'Bara Imambara'.
Photo by the author

The psyche that the two communities were poles apart is rearing its ferocious head once again. It suits the parochial agenda for votes. Communal frenzies were used to terrify the minority Muslim community and hate-mongering against the majority Hindu population. This is the gravest fallout of the electoral politics in India that acts as a fertilizer, augmenting the harmful weeds and choking the healthy growth. No wonder why a section of politicians is seen involved in encouraging, pampering and appeasing a section of society. This has helped the hardening of their approach and therefore, the minorities become aggressively defensive to protect their ‘right’. 

The political parties, self-proclaimed champions of human rights, leftists and liberals were mum on the unfortunate happenings at the time riots erupted. However, they sprang to action and started howling the moment houses started bulldozing. It all started when in Jahangirpuri of Delhi, slated to be cleared of heavy encroachment, authorities started demolishing illegal constructions and encroachments. Ironically, they were seen crying hoarse in favour of those who were found guilty of illegal construction and encroachments. Confabulations started on the legality of the action. The questions were being asked about the rule of law and the law of the land. The justification was sought for the validity of the government’s action. Victim cards were played, portraying the guilties as poor and oppressed. The ‘progressives’ rushed to the Supreme Court to stop the demolition drive and the Hon'ble Court did not disappoint them. Within no time the stay was granted and the work had to be stopped.

The government’s action may seem arbitrary and ruthless but it needs to be seen from the proper perspective as well. Communal violence is a blot on a civilized society that adversely affects the social fabric and economic activities. The threads of the working class and the traders are intertwined. They work together and live together. The daily wages are the lifeline of the working class while on the other hand, the traders need a regular supply of products. In such a condition, common people do not like to be involved in rioting. Despite this, the riots are an ugly reality. In a written reply to a question, the government told the parliament that 3400 riots took place in the country from 2016 to 2020 (Click here for details). Besides causing loss of life and property, the riots leave a trail of destruction and damage in terms of harmony, social relations and mutual trust. The causes of conflagrations need serious cogitation.

Imposing dome of Council House, UP
Photo: by author

The democratic setup in India is leaned heavily on the arithmetics of votes. The public vote count determines the fate of a party or a candidate. During the 2019 general elections, out of ninety-one crore twenty lakh eligible voters, 67% cast their votes. The huge voter turnout lures the political parties to attract voters in their favour. Religion, community, caste and creed are used to garner support. Polarized minority votes have attracted politicians for a long. It has been the decisive factor to win an election. A fragmented society thus becomes a philosopher’s stone, a dire necessity for parochial political gains. Suspicion, mistrust and terror are the building blocks of communal frenzy. An unseen but effective system has sprung up to operate, rule and mastermind the communal frenzy. It is terrifying and damaging to society.

Instead of canvassing about the developmental work and assurance about the future, the thrust on divisive politics appears more convenient to political parties, hence division and conflagrations. A ‘philosopher-king’ is a utopia and absolute is impossible. Good and bad, evil and virtue are the two aspects of the same coin. A good balance is a need for time to have a healthy and sustainable society with minimal outlaws.

Lotus flower
Photo: by author

 

Secularism: Reality or Rhetoric

Photo: by Author

The concept of governance that advocates and aims to implement equality and justice for nationals of a country, irrespective of their religion and caste, secularism and its way of implementation is under the scanner. India is a declared 'Secular' country. Objectively speaking, with a highly complex brain and society, the near ultimate outcome of organic evolution Homo sapiens ought to be equal. They must not be discriminated against on religion, ethnicity, skin colour et cetera. It would be misbegotten to confine them in religious and sectarian compartments. It is, therefore, imperative that the state should be non-aligned to religion; untouched by religious dogma. Law of the land ought to be equal for all its citizens. The theory appears rosy but is it the ground reality too?

Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said that the word secularism was the biggest threat to develop India's prosperous traditions and give it a spot on the global stage. Speaking on the occasion of the first launch of the edition of the Global Encyclopedia of Ramayana on 06-March-2021, he was referring to the way of using the principle in the past. The supposedly 'unconstitutional' remarks, however, received severe criticism from Asaduddin Owaisi, head of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a party that draws its nourishment from sectarian ideology in the name of secularism. The words like 'Secularism', 'Secular Forces' and 'Communal' et cetera have been the favourite catchwords for politicians who often use it to create a bogey of communal spectre and polarization of votes.

The idea that religion should neither be a guiding principle nor should it interfere with governance fits well with secularism. In 508 BC, when the concept of democracy was introduced in ancient Greek, people except women and slaves were given voting rights. Each citizen had had a single vote. The society was predominantly theistic that gave priority to religion and social status. The ancient states were not indifferent to religion. Tabernacles, lofty temples, synagogues, churches and mosques were patronized and often constructed by states. Talking or preaching against the beaten principles of religion was considered blasphemy and the culprits were brutally executed. The concept of secularism albeit occupied the thought process of early Greek and Roman philosophers, it is not antediluvian. Relatively new, the term ‘Secularism’ was first used by British writer George Holyoake.  

With the growing prominence of intellect, the Age of Enlightenment started in 17th and 18th century Europe. The advocacy for the separation of religion and church from the governance started gaining ground. Thoughts accorded a sovereign status and the perception considered as the only valid source of knowledge. The changing perceptions were bound to develop cracks in the bastion of the intolerant, religion-based political system wherein the king was supposed to be the representative of God and the clergy as his aides. The opposition of the system was unacceptable and used to be brutally crushed.

In the Indian thought process, Charvaka were the main exponent of philosophy who put thoughts and perception on a high pedestal. Religious tolerance gradually made inroads. In the 3rd century BC, Ashoka the Great appealed to his subjects to follow religious tolerance and treat other religions with respect (Rock Edict - XII). In the 19th century India, devout Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjeet Singh honouring other faiths had soldiers of different religions in his legions.  

                                                 Photo: by author

The medieval period of Indian history witnessed a watertight and intolerant system of governance of monarchs. They invaded and looted India. Some established their kingdom. Invaders became emperors who happened to be dynastic, wishes of whom used to be a command. Proselytization was a state policy. Non-muslims and Hindu natives were considered inferior subjects. Their faiths were corrupted, routed and trampled; the ‘jizya’ tax was imposed on them. In northern India especially, Hindu temples were desecrated, idols of deities were beheaded and temple materials were used to construct mosques deliberately on the fallen temple spots to trample the self-esteem of Hindus. The opposition was dealt with brutally and the 'culprits' were tortured to death. Rulers like Akbar, portrayed as a tolerant monarch, were religious bigots for a fairly long time.

Photo: by author

The divide on religious lines was distinct during the British empire in India. They encouraged religious intolerance and created a furrow between Hindus and Muslims to establish and strengthen their rule, especially post-1857. In an upheaval against the British East India Company, both Hindus and Muslims participated in the joint operation and courageously fought the first war of independence in 1857, termed ‘mutiny’ by Britons. Even though that the upheaval was crushed and henceforth governance was taken over by the British crown, Britons sensed the threat of joint native force. Slowly and meticulously divide was created to appease a section of society. In 1909 an Act was promulgated to constitute a separate electorate for Muslims. Later it was furthered to include other communities as well by the Government of India Act, 1919. Cracks started appearing between Hindus and Muslims - the communities that fought as one in the first combat against foreign rule. The foundation of the Muslim league in 1906 ensured the divide on a religious basis culminating in India's vivisection in 1947. 

Party spearheading the freedom movement in India sans Muslim League had been in favour of collective fight without any discrimination. Many illustrious leaders like Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Rafi Ahmad Kidwai contributed positively to the fight for freedom. Gandhiji wanted a wholly tolerant India with its religions working side by side with one another. However, there was a section of society that had a different ideology. Muslim League, which was constituted with the sole aim to garner the support of the Muslim population, started demanding a separate state for they could 'not live with Hindus'. They propounded “Two Nation Theory” and impetuously worked on it. Fierce communal riots were instigated, causing panic and colossal loss of lives and properties. People started transmigrating well before the actual vivisection of India. They were aghast, did not know as to why they were being displaced from their soil.

Freedom came staggering; India was freed but paid a heavy price. The nation was lacerated, wounded and vivisected. Rampant communal conflagrations started on the call of "Direct Action" by the Muslim League. Large scale arson, loot and violence had left people in the lurch. Newly established Pakistan chose to be an Islamic state, but India opted for a secular structure. Religiously intolerant Pakistan became hellish for non-muslims. In India, however, Nehru was for a robust system indifferent to religion. The first Prime Minister of free India, Pt. Nehru was a visionary. He was an atheist but not anti-religious. For a country like India, which is pluralistic and varied with many cultures, languages and religious practices, secular democracy was the option that aligned to many west educated Indian leaders of the time. The Constitution, adopted in 1950, guaranteed the citizens a society free from religious interference but simultaneously gave them individual freedom of religious practice. It had to be a harmonious society. Article 14, 16, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 of the Constitution ensures freedom of expression, worship, and work. There is no state religion. Article 25 of the Constitution ensures “Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion”, while Article 26 gives the right to establish, manage and maintain every religious denomination or any section thereof. These provisions ensure individual freedom which aligns with Nehru’s thoughts. Later, with an amendment in the Constitution adopted in 1976 (42nd Amendment Act, 1976), “We The People of India” resolved “To constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular Democratic Republic”. India was now a ‘Secular’ country not tangentially but directly.  

Coming to the point of implementation, it is limpid that the Constitution and its provisions ought to be followed in its letter and spirit. Interpretation of the Constitutional provisions is under the purview of the judiciary. Interpretations and explanations of the constitutional provisions have been done by the judiciary from time to time. The Hon'ble Supreme Court upheld that preamble was part of the Constitution and could be amended. Secularism became a cromulent state policy after its inclusion in the preamble, therefore, it has to be observed diligently. In practicality, however, a deviation is witnessed. 

The electoral politics of India is a complex process. In a society with different languages, groups and sub-groups, customs and practices amalgamated with diversified regional patterns, an absolute system are difficult, if not impossible, to have. The number of votes and the ability to convert votes into seats is the crux of forming the government. The political party or the conglomerate of parties that gets majority seats can form the government. Ostensibly it is the vote which is a decisive factor in government formation. Political parties in India started eying on en bloc vote-share of minority voters. In all practicality, political parties prefer to choose their candidates based on religion, caste, creed and influence in elections occurring after lustrum.

In the rat race of getting votes, the political parties started making alliances ignoring the fundamentals of ethics and compromising ideology. The ‘Grand Old Party’, Congress, having the onus of carrying the torch of Nehruvian secularism, showed the inclination for ‘Vote-bank Politics’. They enter into alliances with sectarian regional parties which have been vocal against the majority sentiments and lopsidedly critical to them. Congress allied with Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in Assam, and Indian Secular Front (ISF) in Bengal for parochial motives. Parties vying for Muslim votes are seen in the mad race to show themselves as their Messiah, shunning secularism and following preposterous appeasement policy. In the over-enthusiasm for appeasement, they even declared that minorities, particularly Muslims, have the first claim on the government resources while some claimed that they would strife and die for the Muslim cause. People of the country saw that Puja in Bengal was banned while religious processions of minorities were permitted. Iftar parties organized by the Chief Ministers of States and at the President House happened to be the ludicrous show of appeasement blatantly flouting norms of the Constitution. 

The dent in the secular philosophy which started appearing in the period of Late (Mrs) Indira Gandhi, deepened when the then Prime Minister late Mr Rajeev Gandhi, yielding to the clergy pressure, turned turtle the verdict of Hon’ble Supreme Court in Shah Bano case and later tried to pacify majority by letting open the gates at ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’. Vexed, especially after December 1992, the issue of 'Ram Janmabhoomi' has now been settled by the Hon’ble Supreme Court after a very long legal battle. Numerous communal conflagrations took place which shook the very root of the system. People are now witnessing the pantomime of temple hopping and flaunting ‘Janeu’ by leaders of political parties ostensibly to balance the act of appeasement and to lure majority voters. 

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was probably referring to fake secularism in practice. Appeasement of a section of society was nothing but lip service. It harmed the minorities who had been kept frightened and lured with freebies. They went up to an extent of disintegrating the social and national unity by favouring those who are a potential threat. The support for Rohangiyas and eyebrow-raising on the Army actions are but few instances. Muslims feel cheated and cornered except for those who are getting a major chunk of the cake. The people are smart, they understand the acts. 

Photo: by Author

Secularism is not about appeasing a group or two. Appeasement is discriminatory and is against the spirit of the Constitution. The law of land treats everyone the same. Fruits of development are for all. A socialist, secular and democratic setup is unitary, not only in words but also in full practicality. The step-motherly treatment towards the majority section of society gives way to social discontent, which is detrimental to the nation. Each citizen contributes their share for the emancipation and development of the nation. It is equally important that the majority population have a tolerant and compassionate attitude towards minorities. There is no place for fear, haterade and suspicion among the sections of the society. Mutual trust, understanding and respect are the keys to harmonious coexistence. This is the essence and spirit of the Constitution that the eminent members of the constituent assembly envisaged while preparing the voluminous and exhaustive document which is the sole source of governance in free India. 

                                       Photo: by author

Blazing Saga of Success: India, Years after Independence

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.   

Ayodhya Ram-Temple: An epitome of Unity and Resolve of the People

Ram Mandir will be a modern symbol of our culture, eternal faith, national spirit and collective will power which will inspire generations to come...

                                                        -Narendra D. Modi

After years of dispute, legal battles, movements and sacrifices a race having ancient culture, great civilization and magnanimity in faith was getting their long-pending due. The universal jubilation was palpable. It was an auspicious and momentous occasion when the work of temple-construction rolled down. On 05-August-2020, Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi Ji laid the foundation stone of the temple in a lavish groundbreaking ceremony at the very place where Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya.

The Supreme Court of India paved the way for temple construction at Ram Janm Bhoomi, Ayodhya in their historic verdict of 09-November-2019 after persistent efforts, considering every aspect and clearing all odds as per norms. The judgement, albeit was objected upon by a section of society, but since the objection held no water, it was set-aside. In light of the archaeological evidence, the Hon’ble Supreme Court found that there existed a grand temple at the site before the disputed structure erected.  

It is, however, not only the question of religion but beyond that. The majority population of the country had been suppressed lots since long on a religious basis. Jizyah was forced by intruders who ruthlessly and barbarically imposed their faith onto natives of this land. The heartless bigots, who invaded India with the sole aim to plunder her wealth, left no stone unturned to establish their reign of oppression. Not only they crushed the souls of the native people but trampled their culture and traditions as well. Their places of worships - temples - were desecrated and demolished; alien structures constructed thereupon using the same building materials. Some half-demolished structures were deliberately left to remind them of their vanquished state. The hostile invading rulers would proselyte them; killing people en masse who did not change themselves. Left without roots, the asphyxiating people made addicted to lead a life unfamiliar to them. They faced long oppression, exploitation and humiliation. It is, therefore, not only an occasion of temple construction but the resurrection of humanity and an occasion of regaining self-esteem. 

Hinduism, though a misnomer, is not only a religion but a way of life. Ancient and eternal (Sanatan), it does not intrude others’ custom and faith, ever not harm anyone and does not approve violence. It is compassionate, considerate, inclusive and accommodating; follows the principle of Live and let Live. The pseudo-intellectuals and the so-called secularists have to understand it. Those who worked against it tried hard to stop the watch. The parochial motives blurred their vision, inhibiting to read the wall-writings. They tried to fragment the society on a religious basis to keep their vote-bank secured. It took five centuries to regain glory. 

Lord Ram is debonair. He is the source of inspiration for millions of people across the globe. Ram, who is an epitome of benevolence, wisdom, equanimity and valour, resides in the hearts of his subjects and devotees. He is progressive and signifies change. Speaking in the event, Prime Minister Modi said that Ram has always been in our psyche. In his influential and power-packed speech, laced with quotations and citations, he said that not only our country but the whole world was in jubilation. Lord Ram, who belongs to everyone, is our pride and our modesty. The occasion of Bhoomi Poojan was a testimony of the resolve of innumerable devotees. “A grand Ram Temple will become a symbol of our heritage, our unwavering faith,” he said. He underlined that ‘Ram Janam Bhoomi’ was now free from the vicious cycle of repeated demolition and construction. 

Pointing out towards the betterment prospects of the nation, PM Modi said that construction of Ram temple would unify the whole nation, open up several avenues and augment the economic well being of the region in particular and the country in general. Lord Ram, who is revered by millions in India, is revered equally in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and even in the Muslim majority nation - Indonesia. 

The long-pending temple-construction has now been started. It testifies the deep-rooted democratic values of the nation which firmly believes in settling the disputes and misconceptions through dialogues following the Constitutional provisions. After the completion, the temple will symbolize unity, solidarity and rock-solid resolve of WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA.

Protests on Citizenship Amendment Act: Fabricated or Genuine

Loss of life of a duty-bound policeman in an insane happening of indiscriminate firing by a group of miscreants in Delhi is shocking and needs strong condemnation. The aimless killing demands severe penal action against the guilty. Such people are not only miscreants but diabolic murderers as well who believe in anarchy and lawlessness. Unfortunately, they who belong to a group subsisted by few political parties are fanning communal rife for their parochial gains. It reminds the gory incidences during the time of independence when a similar situation had been created to prove the shallow but divisive "Two Nation Theory" and "Direct Action" was called by Muslim League. That led to widespread riots, arson, killing and loot causing a massive exodus of people who were uprooted from their soil and made to move. Pakistan was created on a religious basis and chose to remain an Islamic country. Contrary to it, we adopted to remain secular. However, the word 'Secular' was misinterpreted and grossly misused.

After the post-partition upheaval eased and dust started setting down, India and Pakistan signed a pact in 1950. The Nehru-Liaquat pact was aimed to address the plight of refugees and their belongings. The opening paragraph of the pact says:

"The Governments of India and Pakistan solemnly agree that each shall ensure, to the minorities throughout its territory, complete equality of citizenship, irrespective of religion, a full sense of security in respect of life, culture, property and personal honour, freedom of movement within each country and freedom of occupation, speech and worship, subject to law and morality. Members of the minorities shall have equal opportunity with members of the majority community to participate in the public life of their country, to hold political or other offices, and to serve in their country's civil and armed forces. Both Governments declare these rights to be fundamental and undertake to enforce them effectively. The Prime Minister of India has drawn attention to the fact that these rights are guaranteed to all minorities in India by its Constitution. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has pointed out that similar provision exists in the Objective Resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. It is the policy of both Governments that the enjoyment of these democratic rights shall be assured to all their national without distinction.
Both Governments wish to emphasize that the allegiance and loyalty of the minorities are to the state of which they are citizens and that it is to the government of their own State that they should look for the redress of their grievances."

The full text of the pact is here.

The pact was not honoured by Pakistan. Even after the pact, the exodus of minorities continued unabated from erstwhile East Pakistan. Answering a question in the Parliament, the then External Affairs Minister Sardar Swarn Singh had said that the instances of violations had started coming to notice almost immediately after the inception of the Pact. The treacherous act of theocratic states of Pakistan and erstwhile East Pakistan led to an unwanted situation wherein the religious minorities reduced to insignificant 3% during the past seven decades. The autocratic and intolerant attitude towards Hindus of Pakistan and East Pakistan(now Bangladesh) had left them in the lurch. With time, due to their persecution, the minorities in Pakistan progressively decreased and now they have almost wiped off from there. It was felt to do justice to such ill-fated minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), as passed by both Houses of Parliament, has been enacted. The Act is intended to help those persecuted minorities who have come to India for safety and dignity losing everything including modesty of their families. It is not new. It was felt by previous governments as well but was not implemented but for the past few months, post-enactment of the Act, certain areas of the country are witnessing sectarian conflagrations. Organized violent protests started which spread like wildfire. The public order was thrown out of gear. Public buses were torched systematically and police stations vandalized. Police were attacked heavily. The opposition of CAA by the 'Grand Old Party' and some petty parties is beyond comprehension. It is all the more important because it was mooted out by them as well but now they are opposing it.

The way CAA is being opposed clearly reveals the vicious intention of its perpetrators. The arm-twisting stratagem was adopted which came out in the form of Shaheen Bagh. It was aimed to give a non-violent face to an otherwise violent act of stone-pelting and firing. The real intentions took no time to come out. The government has taken several decisions in quick succession. Abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir and creation of two Union Territories, Tripple Talaq, Ayodhya verdict by Hon'ble Supreme Court are to name a few. The vexation infuriated them. It has tangentially been accepted by the protestors of Shahin Bagh as well.

A protest is intrinsic to a democratic society wherein people freely express their views, sentiments and/or apprehensions. It is a valid and effective means to register the opposition. It is a vital part of a healthy and viable democracy where every government decisions are put to rigorous grilling. It is right and it should be so. However, opposition for the sake of it, that too by adopting illegal means like road-block for a long time, is neither a valid means of protest nor should be encouraged. Torching buses, damaging public properties, disrupting public order in the name of democratic protest are illegal and cause undue public harassment. Those who are opposing CAA blindfolded are ignoring the basic facts and misleading the masses. Taking the shield of women and children, they are trying to play with the fear(?) and sentiments of a section. This must be stopped.

A Journey: From India to New India

                                                                                             Picture: By author


"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history when we step out from the old to new when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance..." 

The historic speech reflected the sentiments of jubilant Indian people. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, first Prime Minister of free India, was addressing the nation seven decades back in 1947. Independent India was emerging; the euphoria was palpable. About two centuries of British Raj was culminating after a long impetuous struggle. Under the Indian Independence Act, 1947 passed by the British Parliament a smooth non-violent transition of power was taking place. Poverty, inequality, injustice, oppression, dejection and frustration prevalent under the foreign rule were going to become a thing of the past. It was new dawn; people were masters of their own. 

Abutting ecstasy there was dejection, treachery and wounded humanity. The nation paid a heavy price of freedom - India was vivisected. Pakistan was carved out ludicrously in unholy haste as an Islamic country on amorphous religion-specific ‘Two Nation Theory’ which proved futile; Bangla Desh (erstwhile 'East Pakistan) emerged as a free nation in 1971. India decided to remain a secular democratic country with an egalitarian social system.

Strife for independence was over but the gargantuan predicaments facing the country were yet to be conquered. The nation was to prepare for Armageddon against poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease.

Erstwhile rulers treated this great country with the utmost disrespect, contempt and apprehension. Winston Churchill at the time of independence had reportedly said:

“Power will go to the hands of ras­cals, rogues, free­boot­ers; all Indian lead­ers will be of low cal­i­bre & men of straw. They will have sweet tongues and silly hearts. They will fight amongst them­selves for power and India will be lost in polit­i­cal squab­bles. A day would come when even air and water would be taxed in India.”   

Though the above statement is not authenticated, the sentiments of the Britons were on the same line - cornering and demeaning a country they had sucked for long. Those days were over.

Severe communal conflagrations during and after the partition lacerated the faith of people whose self-esteem was at the lowest ebb. Shattered faith, disgust, anger and frustration had smashed their identities; deeply furrowed society was on a tinder box. Fifteen million people were uprooted from their soil and displaced. Women, children and dotage were worst affected. It was massive transmigration of population because of widespread communal violence, arson and looting. The wounds were not only physical but have had scathed the souls as well. Besides establishing peace and order, the refugees urgently needed to be helped and rehabilitated.

The tormented nation has had no time to lament. With determination and resolve, people joined hands in making India a nation with distinction to live up the expectations of those who hecatomb their lives on the altar of the motherland. Cleansing and purifying the vicious atmosphere, the work was to start with an inclusive thought process. People intrepidly took it head-on.

Unifying the utterly fragmented country with 565 princely states, numerous Zamindars and petty rulers having the power of self-determination post-independence was an uphill task. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel sobriquet 'Iron-man', first Union Home Minister of free India, took up the challenge. Princely states were successfully and smoothly amalgamated making India a unified one nation - a bouquet of varied customs, cultures, languages and faith. 

A legal framework is necessary to establish the rule of law. After several marathon meetings, debates, discussions and burning the midnight oil by the illustrious members of the Constituent Assembly a Constitution was drafted in two years eleven months and seventeen days. On the twenty-sixth day of November 1949 ‘We the People of India’ adopted Constitution which later was enacted on the Twenty-sixth day of January 1950. Redundant would it be to say that the Constitution is sovereign and the source of power. 

Citizen centricity is the linchpin of a civilized nation.  Governments strive for the betterment of their people. The Suprema lex is people's welfare, education, health, sanitation and infrastructure. These are but few basic needs which are of supreme importance for the decent life of people. Satisfied people are creative and constructive. The Constitution promises governance through the rule of law. The preamble reflects the idea and thought-process of the people of the nation. 

With 133.92 crore population, India is the world's largest federal form of parliamentary democracy and a system wherein nation-building is a collective object. Our 34% energetic, intelligent and positive youths are capable of making impactful change. They are creative, think big and achieve. It is Young India - 'Youngistan'.

Since the first general elections in 1951, Election Commission of India has performed its duties effectively. The world is amazed to see the vast, efficient and foolproof Indian election system. Using the power of their votes, people constitute their government. The stunning magnitude of election is evident with the fact that in May this year 900 million people including 432 million women enthusiastically used their right of franchise to elect 17th Lok Sabha (Lower House) in the recently concluded largest world over general elections. More than 1.035 million polling booths were established across India - including the one at the altitude of 15256 feet in Himachal Pradesh and one for a single person in the dense forest of Gujrat where the polling party sauntered 35 kilometres to reach. The mammoth democratic process involved 3.96 million EVMs (Electronic Voting Machine),1.74 million VVPAT (Voters verified Paper Audit Trail) machines and 11 million election personnel. To assist in peaceful conduction of the poll process, 2,70,000 paramilitary force and 2 million state police personnel were deployed.  

As with light shadows are inherent so are flaws with system especially the one as elaborate like India. Affirmatively it is organic and self-reformatory wherein the nation learns through experiences. Emergency imposed in 1975 by the then government is one such dark chapter in the annals of free India which taught harsh lessons. It buttressed the idea of constructive opposition and impartial fourth column which act as a watchdog to protect the democracy and its institutions. Showing maturity the people mandated against the tyrant rule of emergency dethroned the most powerful Prime Minister of the time - late Mrs Indira Gandhi and her government. It testifies the deep-rooted concept of democracy in the country where the real power vests in the people. 

In the systemic construction, India has three vital organs which run the whole body - Parliament, Executive and Judiciary. All three work in tandem for the welfare of the nation. Fair delivery demands transparent and corruption-free functioning, underlining the importance of impartial and honest functionaries. Strangely enough, however, India ranks high at 78th out of 175 countries in the Corruption Perception Index 2018. Needless to say that corruption is the breeding ground of crime and terror; sucks the legitimate rights of the eligible, besides damaging the morale and adversely affecting the economy. The country is fighting back this menace.

India is a vibrant nation with multifarious thoughts, ideologies and philosophies. Here we have optimism and juxtaposing pessimism. One section believes that India is progressing fast, other one sees the fallacy. This mental pugilism leads to a logical conclusion, beneficial for the country as a whole. The nationals are free to express their views as the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression. The freedom imposes certain restrictions as well. It is innate and necessary. The national interest is of paramount importance. 

It has been a long journey. Travelling through time for more than seven decades, the nation has developed a lot. The matured institutions have shown that even the most complicated issue can be resolved within the framework of the Constitution. India is now shining. We have made our presence felt, the world cannot ignore us. The challenges are being meticulously taken up and resolved. 

A nation is not merely a piece of land inhabited by people of similar origin, language, customs, culture, rites and rituals. It is an organic entity. Like the mother to her child, people are bonded with a cosmic bond. The motherland nourishes and sustains us. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to protect her modesty.