26th January !

On 26th Nov 1949, the constituent assembly passed the Constitution of India which came into full effect on 26th Jan 1950. The Preamble which summarizes the intent of the Constitution or in other words, the character of modern India reads (after amendments):

“WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC….;”

Did it read:

SOVEREIGN - free from the control of any foreign power ?? The Red corridor, parallel govts in North-East, demand for Azaadi in Kashmir - internally definitely we are not SOVEREIGN. The Chinese incursions in Ladakh, Arunachal, the stapled visas have started challenging our external SOVEREIGNTY also.

SOCIALIST - govt to ensure equal distribution of wealth?? Nothing more ironic than this ! Successive govts have ensured equal distribution sincerely - but amongst its own ministers and beaureaucrats. Bofors, Lalu, 2G Raja, CWG, Adarsh, Jayalalitha, Yeddy and Reddy…the list is endless.

SECULAR - equality of religion?? Perhaps the word should have been pseudo-secular. The govts. do not favor the majority but also do not shy away from appeasing the minorities. 

DEMOCRATIC - people elect their own representatives?? Glaring inequalities in standard of living, the social structure and lack of education make sure that the free will to vote is often exploited by rogue politicians. How else do you explain 30 years of CPM rule in Bengal, leaders like Rabri, Mayawati, Mulayam becoming CMs?

REPUBLIC - Head of the state is not hereditary?? A single family ruled directly or indirectly for 44 years out of 64 years of independent India. Need I say more?

Why am I suddenly reminded of this preamble which I first read in some highly boring Civics classes some 15 years ago?

10 mins of surfing through your beloved news channels nowadays and you’ll know. Most people would find even 5 mins unbearable ; amongst those who have the tenacity to sit through, some might end up feeling utterly disappointed about the current state of affairs, others will be angry while some will just shrug their shoulders with indifference. At the end of 10 mins I am not angry, disappointed or indifferent about the current state of affairs.

I am disillusioned about the very idea mentioned in the beginning - the idea of modern India.

To add salt to wounds, there’s govt’s insipid response to $1 trillion of Black money trail( It was quite interesting to see the same govt going hammer and tongs to stop the hoisting of the National flag in Srinagar, blatantly violating fundamental rights in the process. Ohh! what a soft state we always have been - soft on separatists and terrorists !); the shameless audacity with which a bunch of goons set on fire an upright district collector ; the culprits in CWG scam - Kalmadi’s aides getting bail and the kingpin - Kalmadi - not even arrested; World’s 2nd fastest growing economy shamed due to outstanding dues of $300000 from CWG; govt’s stupid response on CVC appointment; Radia tapes;the way Hyderabad is hijacked due to Telangana issue; and the worst of them all - KASAB & AFZAL GURU are still alive and we tax payers are paying for their upkeep.

What are we coming to? Is 26th Jan really a time to rejoice the 62 years of our being a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC as it exists now? It’s time to introspect, face the reality before our foolhardy optimism (which we are so frequently  associated with) leads to irreparable damage.