26th January 2014, and if you keep the count it is 65th Republic day. The nation has come a long way since the makers of the constitution drafted the “holy book” of the largest democracy on the planet.
I remember going to school every Republic day since kindergarten years. But as I grew up I noticed people scantily take interest in it. The Republic day’s attendance in started decreasing as I grew up. The college administration was more thoughtful, the students were granted a day off(most of the time it already during semester holidays) and the flag was raised in presence of few old teachers.
So, what kind of Republic are we building? A Republic where even after 65 years of “People’s government”, is home to 50% ‘slave population’ of the world (2013’s global slavery Index). A Republic where we are made to believe that we all are equal but factually some are more equal than others. For Many, the day is just another holiday and if it happens to fall on a sunday(like this year), people get really disappointed.
So, the Nation where the very idea of Republic originated (Vaishaili, Bihar) is today facing Performance crisis. History has it that a non-performing system is sooner or later rejected by the mass. The popular anti-corruption protests and anti-Rape protests showed the dissatisfaction the mass with the present system.The fundamental aspect of a Republic is an elected body or person, which no longer hold respect in society and popular imagination.Netas for the people are modern day tyrants, the “bhoora sahebs”.
So, the question arises is the great experiment called Indian democracy about to fail? The answer is an absolute “No”. Though nothing is permanent in this mortal world but Indian Republic certainly has a long life.In 1975 emergency it has already proven its importance to the ruling class.
No matter how nominal the aspect of electing the ruling class is , the people of India certainly understand its importance. They understand that in the modern world this is the most proper way to progress and prosper.Though the struggle between “gan”(people) and the “tantra”(the system) shall remain because out of this struggle would emerge paths to a better and more equal system.
Happy Republic Day.
