Can’t we live amicably with harmony?

 

Photo: by Author

More often, we become bewildered and restless. An overpowering thought of being caught in a labyrinth looms large. What is the aim of life, why are we here, are but a few questions constantly hover in mind. Furthermore, questions of life quality, liberty and harmony churn the brain. The whims and fantasy of others that insidiously enters in life, though sometimes a compulsion, is disdainful and bugs.

Mother Nature does everything with a purpose. Each organism and material has its role in running the vast system of the natural world. From microorganisms to planktons, from planktons to small and then large animals and plants. They are interdependent and help each other to survive. However, eat or be eaten are fundamentals of a less evolved and less advanced group of animals. What about highly evolved humans with the power of reasoning, thinking and speech? What are they doing?

I do not intend to generalize things. There are a select few who do worthwhile. Maybe they are ordained to do, but a majority of people live for the sake of living. They take birth, grow, earn their livelihood, become old and then perish listlessly. They hecatomb at the altar of others’ insanity and insensitivity; adjust, compromise, and do whatever is possible to pull strings.

 

The plant world, though animate, is devoid of senses, sensory organs, and the brain. They lead a sedentary life having no feelings but contributing silently to the growth and development of others by providing food, fodder and shelter. The desensitized nature of plants is a boon in disguise for them. They do not cry and feel hurt. While leading their life routinely, they provide food and shelter to the needy. I wonder what they might have thought and said had they had the power of expression! 

The whole animal world has an inherent quality of living in freedom and does not want to be caged. Any bondage - emotional or physical - is detrimental that crushes the spirit. The animals being devoid of speech, are unable to express their agony when put to heinous conditions. They cry, growl, bellow and groan, but their resentment is unheard. Humans, on the other hand, with cohesive speech and language, can express their feelings well. It is why the highest degree of importance has been attached to Human Rights. 

We should respect the privacy, feelings and sentiments of others as well. It is incumbent on us all, but sometimes the contrary is seen in society. The physical, mental and emotional torture is rampant despite various legislations and ethics of the modern world. Wriggling and loathing, unable to meet their end, they keep living - crying, howling and yelling at each other. Should this be the quality of life? 

The struggle is fundamental to all animate and inanimate worlds. Non-living things like rock have numerous atoms which are in constant motion. The desire for permanency and settlement is intrinsic to all. A nascent gas is highly reactive. The living world, by the same token, strives for survival and betterment. Humans have more desire for it. Societies and relationships were evolved to overcome difficulties and help in easing them out. Relationships provide a cosy, congenial atmosphere for optimal growth and problem-solving. They become difficult if not handled properly. 

We have very little time at our disposal. Life is very short. Can’t we live amicably with harmony? We tend to copy, paste and forward so-called ‘positive thoughts’ but ignore them in practice. We shall have to cogitate. The ostensible gaudy show of goodness is absurd. Therefore, without pretending to be a good person, the endeavour should be for being a human - with all goodness and wickedness; maintaining, of course, a fine equilibrium.

Photo: by Author

From corruption to transparency: Strife to Move from Murk to Limpid

Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha
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Political patronages to corrupt and hardcore criminals, choosing them as party candidates to fight the election and inducting them in politics started gaining prominence. The country has seen ex dacoits, culprits and hoodwinkers as lawmakers who get police security at the cost of public exchequer.

Recent incidences in the country have thrown many quizzes on a custom (?) which albeit was apparent but accepted as a way of life by the people. Mingled with the social fabric, it was gradually being institutionalized. Considered a good evil, it is the corruption that ailed the society but could not be contained and people have obstreperously accepted it. One more link was added to the chain. Maharastra Home Minister Mr Anil Deshmukh resigned from the office on 05-April-2021, on the pretext of moral grounds but in reality on the grounds of corruption charges. He resigned following the Hon’ble High Court’s order of CBI enquiry on a petition filed by Ex-Police Commissioner Mumbai, Mr Parambir Singh. Hon’ble High Court order and the resignation has opened a Pandora’s Box, besides disturbing the hornet’s nest.

The incidence is not novel. The nation has witnessed many scams, corruption cases and related legal battles in past. There were cases involving scams in the defence deal, coal scam, spectrum distribution and so on. The list is long. Presently, a person who was holding a constitutional post has been implicated in money extortion through police. The incumbent minister represents people’s faith, expectations and aspirations. He takes an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution. His integrity ought to be unquestionable. The breach of trust is serious. Clean and effective leadership is key to efficient functioning and proper delivery. Corruption at the highest level corrupts the whole system and sinks it deep down in the cesspool. Constitutional machinery, the linchpin of the system, becomes a horrible cannibalistic tool when the key functionaries enter in nexus with criminally minded people to extract money by unfair and illegal means. It shatters the mass confidence leading to an anarchic situation. It is good that an unbiased CBI enquiry has been ordered by the court which would bring the facts to light and culprits to the book. 

The ailment of corruption is age-old and related to the individual psyche but the degree is controllable. Thinking about a corruption-free society, however, is a utopia. Considering it a potential threat to society and its functioning, corruption has since long been considered an offence. It has been viewed with disdain and people involved in it were considered criminal and penalized as per the law of time. Even today, some countries observing medieval feudal laws have stringent punishment provisions for proven guilty of corruption including amputations and/or blinding. 

People are taught since their childhood about the merits of honesty, dedication and sanctimony. They are expected to observe honesty since it was the best policy. Punishing and penalizing petty offenders and patronizing powerful criminals is discriminatory. Finding high profile criminals who are neck-deep in corruption roaming scot-free, people feel cheated and bewildered. It adversely affects security, safety and public order leading to chaos.

 

Majestic Dome of Vidhan Sabha
Picture by Author

India, as we all know, is a multi-religious, multilingual nation with diverse culture and customs. One thing which runs like a silver line is the feeling of one unison. It comes from the organic thought process of nationalism. Every Indian feel and own with proud in their nationality. Despite that country was vivisected on religious grounds followed by cataclysmic conflagrations, arson and massacre which led thousands to transmigrate from their soil, people wanted a society wherein everyone could get one's legitimate due as per their share and labour. We adopted a constitution and declared ourselves a democratic, secular and socialistic republic. After seven and half decades, in 2022, the nation would be celebrating the diamond jubilee of freedom. It is time to look back, introspect and evaluate our system and achievements vis a vis our goals and delivery. 

People while getting freedom have had aspirations. They wished to have a society free from oppression, discrimination, exploitation and disparity. Committed themselves to the cause of peaceful coexistence both in-house and in the matter of external affairs, people yearned for a fair and corruption-free system of their own. Have people’s aspirations fulfilled? Let us descry the incidences. 

People saw the gradual waning of systemic authority. The helpless and sometimes timid state was seen as ambivalent. Most decisions were heavily lopsided because of the corrupt practices and parochial motives. At the start, it was veiled but with time progressively gained prominence and now has occupied the centre stage. Corruption is not only about taking a bribe or monetary favour but it resides in the mind and thoughts as well. It, percolating down to the psyche and thought process, becomes disastrous. History testifies that empires were felled down because of this menace. 

Political patronages to corrupt and hardcore criminals, choosing them as party candidates to fight the election and inducting them in politics started gaining prominence. The country has seen ex dacoits, culprits and hoodwinkers as lawmakers who get police security at the cost of public exchequer. Not only this, they take part in voting on vital issues and participate in law-making activities in parliament. Some of them, though, have been acquitted but most of them are convicted with cases pending against them in serious sections of law books. 

Corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and police personnel are not in singularity. The increasing numbers of elected members having criminal records point out this stark reality. "The Hindu" in its 26 May 2019 edition had reported that 43% of newly-elected Lok Sabha MPs had a criminal record, that is, about half the number of elected members are tainted. The trend has seeped into services as well. The involvement of the members of bureaucracy in corrupt practices is increasing exponentially. The magnitude is such that those who want to play fair are sidelined, frequently transferred or punished in frivolous charges. In reply to a question asked in Lok Sabha, Mr Jitendra Singh Minister of State for Personnel said in the House that a total of 753 complaints were received against the IAS officers in 2019-20 and 643 in 2018-19. The number has progressively increased from 380 in 2015-16 to 623 in 2017-18. The number of corruption cases is on rising in every other All India Service cadres including IPS. The waning premier services, considered to be the backbone of Indian bureaucracy, is the testimony of the decaying system. 

The frequent whimsical transfers of government officers had since long been an open secret. It had taken as a source of easy money and a way to mint money by all concerned. It is rather a state policy. Despite having a perennial detailed transfer policy, the industry (!) used to mint money, flouting the norms and taking advantage of the saving clause. 

The growing corruption in electoral politics is the outcome of lust for power. The candidates used to pump money in the process to get votes. The illegitimate money was used in bribing people and the system. The inflow of money has had a system of funding circulated in the system created the notion of development. The use of money and muscle power vitiated the whole system, affected the works. The rampant corruption not only ails but also gnaws away the legitimate right of genuine beneficiaries as well. Thanks to the Election Commission of India and The Supreme Court which put up hurdles in the path of galloping corruption in electoral politics. A lot more still to be done.  

The nation pays the cost of corruption dearly. It reflects in every walks of life. Irregularities in government constructions, medical facilities and tangential favour to private hospitals are among several such examples. It hits hard to not so well off people.  

  

In ongoing state elections of Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Pudducherry, corruption figured prominently. Words 'Tolabaazi' and 'Cut Money' has frequently been used to expose the degree of corruption in the government machinery. It was institutionalized, and the musclemen of local political parties were press in to collect illicit money. It hinders the development prospects of the country. Late Sri Rajeev Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, had pointed it out in 1985. Speaking in Kalahandi, he had said that of every rupee spent by the government, only 15 paise reached the poor. It had been the degree of corruption.

Electoral politics rely on votes. In a country like India that is vast, populated and diversified it is an uphill task to have a unitary system of elections. The election process is vast and lengthy. The political parties, vying for votes, try every tact to garner votes and seats. In the rat race, they try to catch hold of every opportunity to win a seat. They prefer candidates who can win by their qualities of religion, caste, money or muscle power. Ostensibly, money or muscle power is a clear winner of the race. The desired or able candidate loses the battle, and thus corruption goes on.

Who will bell the cat, then? The onus is onto us. It is strife, nay, armageddon. The war against corruption is tedious but not difficult to win. Determined WE THE PEOPLE would win it.  

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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.   

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

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"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.