India's Republic Day Sentiments

Tomorrow India will celebrate the 62nd Republic Day. The country has gone a long way in its development, improving the quality of life, and rediscovering the global importance and strength. The recent rise of India as one of the major emerging global powers is phenomenal. It speaks volumes about the concerted efforts of all in the country. Walking thus far, in spite of wide disparities and population issues, has been quite a challenge.

In the overall view, the country has done exceedingly well to maintain the spirit of democracy, economic growth, industrial and infrastructure development, defence, science and technology, knowledge based industries; and many more..

However, the society has experienced the progress in a 'mixed bag'. There are issues of graft and corruption, criminalisation of the business and politics, nepotism, growing white collar and general crimes, growing disparities of income and inefficient distribution system,new social elites, breaking family ties, lowering values and ethics,good governance issues, regionalism and linguism, parallel black economy; poor amenities in the rural areas, migration from villages to cities in search of making a better living;expensive healthcare for the poor; etc.

India needs to consolidate the gains from the development so far. Its time to look for the long-term issues now. Do we need to consider the Presidential system of government (in the cumpulsion of coalition governments; or do we go for the proprtionate representation system? Is the time ripe to consider alternatives? Do we need to empower the local bodies and Panchayat institutions for most of the development spendings (with strong internal controls and social audit)? Do we need to relook at the laws and the justice system? When will we be able to enforced the fundamental rights of the citizen in letter and spirit? Likewise the questions are many. We hope to find answers in the coming years!

One last thing on Republic that immediately comes to my mind is the Plato's prescription of a 'Philosopher King' in his book Republica. May be the top leaders should do some introspection on being the 'philosopher king' to take the country ahead in most wanted manner.

26th january aso happens to be the National Day of Australia. A country where the prisoners of the Empire were rehabilitated, has done so well in all areas; why cann't India do so well or even better?