WHITHER PUBLIC ON REPUBLIC DAY?

                                                  - MILAN K SINHA

The nation is celebrating the 64th anniversary of Republic Day amid so much of political chaos, particularly in nation’s capital, first because of unprecedented political demonstration and dharna by an elected chief minister along with his cabinet colleagues and supporters and also because of the rising political temperature in the wake of ensuing Lok Sabha election sometime before May, 2014 to pave the way for formation of a new government at the Centre.

It's a common knowledge that our Constitution was adopted by Constituent Assembly on 26 November, 1949 but actually came into effect on 26 January 1950 - the date of 26 January was chosen to commemorate the Purna Swaraj declaration of independence of 1930. Our Constitution, one of the finest in the world which was drafted by Constituent Assembly comprising of great legal luminaries and statesmen, declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens of justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavors to promote fraternity among them.

But, looking back to analyze what our forefathers had envisaged and dreamt and what we could achieve during the long years in the intervening period, no one would deny that the nation did progressed in many areas but    failed in greater proportions to address even the basic needs and requirements of common Indian (Aam Aadmi) - the issues of food, clothing, shelter, education, health, employment to name a few.

It is really shocking to note that even at this point of time every day 7000 people die of hunger in the country thereby being infamous for topping the list of countries in World Hunger Chart, one in every three malnourished children of the world live in India, the literacy percentage is still around 75% and most shamefully, about 60% people defecate in the open. Why?

Echoing the sentiments and aspirations of the large disadvantaged population which included millions of youths, both educated and uneducated, the President said in his address to the nation on this occasion, '"The aspirational young Indian will not forgive a betrayal of her future. Those in office must eliminate the trust deficit between them and the people. Those in politics should understand that every election comes with a warning sign: perform, or perish... Who wins the coming election is less important than the fact that whosoever wins must have an undiluted commitment to stability, honesty, and the development of India. We live in a turbulent part of the world where factors of instability have grown in the recent past...India has the intellectual prowess, the human resource and financial capital to shape a glorious future. We possess a dynamic civil society with an innovative mindset. Our people, whether in villages or cities, share a vibrant, unique consciousness and culture. Our finest assets are human...If Indians are enraged; it is because they are witnessing corruption and waste of national resources. If governments do not remove these flaws, voters will remove governments...Equally dangerous is the rise of hypocrisy in public life. Elections do not give any person the license to flirt with illusions. Those who seek the trust of voters must promise only what is possible...."

All said and  done,  can our  ruling  class  across  all political parties implement a common minimum agenda to fulfill the most basic aspirations of   common Indians of having a  safe, secured and normal  human  living  in consonance with the spirit of our constitution? 

                             Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

# Published in Patna Daily.com on 26th Jan'14
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