Tryst with Destiny
Nevertheless, our scene too is not depressing, if not applaudable. But we can look at the future with full optimism because there is no dearth of talent in our land. Our progress in the field of nuclear research, space programme and yes, defence manufacturing and ancillary, alongwith the heavy engineering sector are glittering examples.
What is as uncertain as the rains is the political environment within the country. Owing to its very large physical parameters, and presence of every conceivable ideology in the world within its boundary, makes it the more complex and unpredictable. But there is a marked phenomenon over the past decade and a half. The two year syndrome or the mid-term elections phobia. Despite the fact that all parties voted to power, right from 1971, have entered parliament with a landslide mandate, the charisma seems to wear off very soon.
1971, Indira Gandhi thumped in, but met turbulent weather midway, so much so, that Emergency had to be enforced. 1977, the Janata party came in with a sign of relief but midway, were scattered everywhere. 1980, back to Mrs Gandhi but this time, not the people but assassins bullets move her out of power. 1985, in comes Rajiv Gandhi, the third in lineage of the ‘Anand Bhawan” clan with all hopes pinned for a ‘fresh, clean, honest government that works!
The showpiece of all the issues, let’s say. “La Crema DE La Creme” has been India’s international ties. For which, a major chunk of the credit goes to the Anand Bhawan clan of prime ministers. Jawaharlal Nehru, set off on a high note floating the idea of the non-aligned movement.
A quarter century later, his daughter and then, his grandson have made all endeavours in highlighting and nourishing the cause of the movement. For this, India has popularly emerged as a pseudo super power. Atleast, the Third World always looks up to India in hours of crisis and India truely plays the big brother, be it a stand against apartheid or nuclear armament, The piece de resistance came a few days ago in the form of a suitable birth anniversary present- the Sri Lanka accord.
How to sum it all?
Let’s take the help of the aptly named “Discover India” jungle (we modulate it).
She’s young, She’s old, She’s big, strange and beautiful. India.
It’s time we got to know her unveil her, redeem her, revive, relive her.