26 January 1950. What does this date mean to you? Sadly, to many Indians it's just another day off from work, a day to sleep in late or one of the numerous Indian holidays celebrated every year because that's what the old timers did.
On the other hand, many people are actually aware of its historical significance and its impact on India today; It's the day the constitution came into effect. The day that India granted her citizens fundamental rights and enforced the values by which the government (and leaders) would serve the public. Now we could sit here and write a thesis discussing the flaws of this document (which also happens to be the world's longest constitution) but I don't want to focus on that as it takes away from what the constitution is trying to achieve. The preamble mentions the rights secured to all of India's citizens:
- Justice;
- Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
- Equality of status and opportunity; and
- Fraternity (unity) of the country.
Many of my friends and family continuously question why I feel so strongly about India - when I have never lived there, when I was born in and brought up in NZ and let's not forget the thousands of problems/flaws of India that they have waiting in their back pocket to use against me. They are quick to call me "foolish" and "ignorant" for thinking positively about this place that I call "home". It's hard to explain myself to them. I completely agree with the negative points they raise, but in my opinion* it's these four sentiments listed in the constitution that define the values of India and what she is striving to achieve.
My only real concern at the moment is that our current Rashtrapati (President) and Pradhan Mantri (Prime Minister) are not doing their part to keep India on the right path by enforcing and protecting these values. It is all too easy to think about current threats to each of the four points:
- Lack of punishment for REAL criminals.
- People not being allowed to criticise religious/political figures without being punished and not being able to practice their religion in peace.
- The stronghold of the archaic caste system and oppression of minorities.
- Politicians looking to divide India based on differences when it is those differences that unite us.
At the moment I cannot offer any solutions, but giving up on the Indian dream is most definitely not a solution. Writing it off as a third-world country "that will never change" is not the way forward. My uncle would always say "Don't be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution!". By no means is India perfect, nor will I ever think so, but that won't stop me trying to make it one.
Happy Republic Day!
*DISCLAIMER: While I have only read a few different sections of the constitution, I am in no way claiming to be an expert in the subject.
Above: Got an up and close tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan (The President's house)
Above: The National Emblem of India shining in the shadows of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Above: Tirang (Tricolour) on Rajpath being prepared for Republic Day celebrations. Photo taken by Chandan Khanna
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