Strengthen the Republic, Unite our People as One Collective Force on the Global Arena
In ‘ruptured’ moments in history, when the world order is being questioned like never before. When tariff is an instrument of war, when military threats are the order of the day, national sovereignty is compromised with a simple capture of an incumbent President in office, anything can happen. It is a time, when sab kuch ho sakta hai.
In such times, when everything is challenged, when friends and foes are getting freshly aligned, can India seize such moments, when breaking from the past is the new order, to look inwards and change course, if we ever needed a ruse to break away, as course corrections are easier when a new global order is in the making? Finding peace within, in a time of big churning is simpler, when making a break from the past is easier done than said, to harness our inner most strengths, ensure our own place under the sun? Time to re-charge our batteries!
We must be strong inside to become strong outside. We must iron out our deficiencies, the critical minerals in our body, as much if not more, as those we seek to make our chips and semi-conductors. With a clear head, with strongly defined motives, followed by determined actions, carry ourselves with conviction on the world stage? We need the collective might of a billion plus, united across religion, rich and poor, those governed from those in governance.
On this 77th Republic Day celebration, we must, as have done every year, look back, look forward and assess where we are at present. It is Kal, Aaj and Kal, literally. Do we need course corrections? If so, where and why, with what aim and what results? A few top of the mind ideas that can help establish stronger the foundations of our Republic. Points to ponder and reflect, as only introspection, and aspirations can and should matter most. Going beyond lip service as this is the call of the Republic, and we must answer it, now and forever.
First and foremost, the Republic represents a federal set-up where the states come together and create the central machinery. All our politicians and civil servants, either through various civil services or through elections come to the centre. In a way, they are seconded to the centre. Respecting the federal spirit should be the first principle, with no exceptions. Start with re-defining the roles of the governors, for instance. Why do we have disputes in some states and not all? If the President of India can read the script provided by the central government of the day, then how can a Governor in a state have any choice? It is a federal given, that the Governor does and must. It’s a simple re-calibration but will give a fresh start to a new era of preserving the spirit. A worthy start for more actions that can follow in the same direction.
Centre Vs States. In recent times, we have instances where the powers of the central agencies are being questioned by state run bodies. Like ED from the centre running into a state police force! These are instances with disastrous implications, which cannot be risked. An objective re-assessment is urgently required, as often someone or the other is crying wolf. Often opposition parties can easily play the victim card and hope to get away. We need an eminent person of known integrity and proven service to the country who must be handpicked to frame the rules, new ones if necessary.
Politics must have limits. Not everything is politics. We must start putting a stop to placing our every breath into politics and winning. Win or lose, should matter less, if at all. The old guard is more likely to have baggage. Therefore, trust in new faces, which bring fresh energy into the system. Focus on the youth. Like the new BJP chief, just 46 years, that gives confidence to the rank and file within the party, and also to those outside. The new US envoy to India is just 36 years; quite a few countries around the world have leaders less than 40! We need fresh blood on the public stage. Many of the newer BJP Chief Ministers are young, will learn on the job, and we must give them time. The nation needs them. Sincerity can often take care of relative inexperience.
Change the language of Discourse. It is becoming increasingly unhealthy, at times despicable. There must be a national code where people are called out, castigated on the spot. Slogans like we will break a nation are unacceptable. Penalise those who make them, end the topic there and then. Statements against family are despicable, cannot be allowed. Debate must assume the new language of conversation. Disagree by all means, but listen. There is always another point of view, not everybody will have the same views. That does not make them anti-nationals, unless what they are advocating be in itself treacherous. In every sitting of Parliament, neither side of the benches can assume that the Parliament is a venue to settle scores. Behave and respect, not only each other but also the institution. Healthy debate must return to the hallowed precincts of the Parliament, in honour of the Republic.
Respect Institutions. To say that Indira Gandhi did this or that, that some other leader did it too, does not help. At best, these are precedents of actions not to be repeated. Operation Blue Star must be left alone and stopped being compared with the Gujarat riots. Both stand out for what they were. That Nehru gave away vast lands, therefore, our more recent loss in Galwan is good to go – both were the results of gross subterfuge by an assumed friendly neighbour. Circumstances at a point and time also dictate decisions that cannot be viewed in hindsight through today’s lenses.
Leaders are Humans. Becoming leaders does not make us super humans, the only difference is that leaders are people in position to implement their visions, in such times like these, even more challenging ones, and therefore they become more susceptible to making mistakes. Therefore, unilateral decisions can be best avoided. Taking a larger perspective under consideration is a better alternative. This we can do, more openly, in public glare. Conversely, it is not the job of the opposition to oppose what ever the government does or decides. It’s not unbecoming to also praise what is good. There is plenty of good happening. Not everything. It cannot be.
No religion is our enemy. We are all together. Yes, we are a majority religion country. Respect the majority but equally the minority. Our Muslim population in numbers is only second to that of Indonesia. India must sit and participate in every global Islamic forum with equal vigour, as any other Islamic state. And, we must have, as we also do, indeed, significant leadership that can faithfully represent Indian interests in global dialogues centred around every faith. We need to walk the talk, alongside very community. With Buddhists, Christians, Jews, every community. That is our strength. Yes, there are fringe elements on every side, these must not be allowed to roam free. Yet, there also some ground realities that need to be addressed, concerns expressed and resented over time, like conversions, which must be called out and discontinued. All communities carry upon them the burden of responsibility, as equal stakeholders of the future of India.
Course Correction. Re-writing history, setting right the many wrongs done in the past. Some are civilisation issues as many of us see them. Some remain keen on correcting the wrongs of history, others do not see the need for it, as much. Must we remain slaves of our past? Such that we hinder our true value as a collective, to become global leaders? We have among the richest of tapestries of past traditions, nurtured over centuries, we need not be selective but holistic. Focus upon the future, future generations demand foresight, balance and an open blue sky and green Mother Earth to live.
We have a strong leadership in PM Modi. Among the strongest globally, if you look around. PM Modi commands attention and leadership among the global community. We need to see that same leadership from him in domestic policy, to help the nation transcend past differences; let these be bygones, one and all, and let us under his leadership lead an inward-looking transformation to make us realise our true potential. This is where Bharat Viksit wants to go and it is him, PM Modi, who has the strength and command to make it happen. God Bless our Republic, each one of us has a responsibility to shoulder.
Jai Hind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For over five decades, he has observed, reported and commented on India’s evolving story in travel, aviation, tourism and hospitality. He has edited titles like City Scan, Travel Trends, and India Debates.
