Independence by : Mriganka Basak

Our country had achieved independence after a long freedom struggle. All sections of the society participated in it and made numerous sacrifices. Everyone rose up, in unison, against the imperialist ruler. They came out of their shackles of individual religions and ethnic or provincial identity. People dreamt of an independence where they will have their own rule. That self-rule will lead them to get rid of illiteracy, misery and poverty they were presently in. All Indians will build a country of equal respect and dignity. Where freedom of equality will be enjoyed in its true sense. Equality not only in political terms, but also to secure social and economic arena without discrimination. No one will be the ruler, no one will be ruled, fair and equal opportunity for everyone.

After independence, our Constitution has provided for the right to equality before the law, freedom of speech and expression for all, freedom to practice any religion and culture, freedom of peaceful protest, and constitutional remedies to secure civil rights.

Today, when we are celebrating Independence Day, there is a highlighted Social Media display of nationalism everywhere. It may seem that we are exuberant at re-inventing the old Wheel. Sense of Nationalism and the attendant pride was ingrained in us since our freedom movement days. And the pride of Independence we had been carrying in our hearts since 1947. So, the current euphoria and emphasis on displaying such fervour sometimes appear ruinous.

A country is constituted by its citizens as a whole. Independence of the country is linked to the independence of its people. It means that the citizens will have equal share and right of country’s resources. But independent India has turned into a rich country of poor people. The freedom movement drove away the imperialist British and established the rights of the people of India on our resources. But in reality, the country is turning into oligarchy. Only a handful of people enjoy a monopoly over the resources. There is huge economic disparity among people, and this gap is only increasing with each passing day. The majority of the people of the country are living in poverty in inhumane conditions. A simple glance to the conditions of our domestic helps in smaller towns will prove the point. This disparity is now carefully orchestrated to flare up. The dreams at the time of independence had now markedly gone astray.

Common citizen enjoys his Constitution rights for freedom to speak one’s mind, freedom of expression, freedom of choice of own food according to his desire, watch cinema according to his interest, choose one’s own attire, etc. But many a times, these rights are under huge attack from the government, its institutions or public of specific interest groups. An informal eco-system was created to make people tow some given lines, trashing their constitutional rights. The lurking danger in this is that such constitution violations are acquiesced by govt. and street hooliganism gaining legitimacy.This encourages mobocracy. World had seen it in Germany in the 30s(of last century) with SS. And it’s pitfalls are in front of everybody.

But the real danger in it is that such mobocracy is always practised under a maze of nationalistic fervour, nationalism as ill-defined by the mob. Their shallow benchmarking, often some vested interest hidden underneath, can brand any person or activity as anti-national. And such mob, by their number majority, can dictate and enforce any whimsical rigour against the people they had branded. We have seen this happening on streets at many places of our country. We are seeing the same regularly in TV shows. Majoritarian intolerance are marginalising others to the periphery and turning them into non-stakeholders in the affairs of the country.

For example, people’s food habits, dressing habits are attempted to be dictated. Religious rituals also faced the same rigour.Freedom is attempted to be turned into a privilege that can only be enjoyed after following dictates of majority.These are infringement of Constitution which accepts the diversity of people as it’s central axiom and recognise this as country’s strength. But this obstinacy under a seemingly state patronage is eroding our country’s inherent strength.

The intolerance to contrary views or opinions may assume autocratic proportions. This may be detrimental to country in days to come.

It’s time to keep a level-headed view of totality, calibrate our thought process and conduct ourselves suitably for a long term good of ourselves, our progeny and our country as a whole.

About the Author

Mriganka Basak, age 68 years, was an Engineering professional. He had worked with various companies for long years. Now after his retirement, he lives at Bharuch (Gujrat).