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I have been hearing this question “Is India ready?” being asked, whenever a change is sought in India. Whenever a government envisages any reform for progress, some sections of the media, self styled experts and after the advent of the digital media anybody and everybody ask the question “Is India ready? ….”. It is because of this very unfounded self doubt, India has been labeled a “laggard democracy” and China, Japan, Korea etc sped past us in the decades after the end of WWII. I, now as a septuagenarian watched helplessly all this from the sidelines. Now, India has seemingly resolved to move ahead and try and catch up with the world. It is time we stop asking this question “Is India ready?” at the drop of a hat. Else it will be a case of waiting for Godot. At least let the next generation benefit from progress and development.
There never was, is or will be an ideal time for anything.
Take for instance the UCC which this government is attempting to introduce now. There is much discussion on it as always. Among many agenda based and parochial points under discussion one that stands out is the political angle for the move. We must note that article 44 contained in part IV of the Indian Constitution says that the state “shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”. While the opponents of this Government say that it is a political move in view for the forthcoming general elections the proponents of the government say that, though the provision exists in the constitution, erstwhile governments did not do it exactly for the same reasons. A perfect example of a stagnant democracy.
India looks for strength in the diverse mix of religions in the country, not realizing, over millennia religions have failed to deliver for the societies. Why do we need religions? Since time immemorial people, especially when in distress, are known to have appealed to the unknown for help and solace. When man started living together in bands and tribes the appeals for help during distressing times were done collectively. To ensure focus, during such prayers, a physical object like a totem, stone, tree or such were instituted. To teach humanity values of life while evolving from animal behavior to more humane or human behaviors tales were woven around near life or fictional characters for better understanding of life’s values through storytelling, a powerful medium of communication even today. Then came the text based religions which changed the perception of prayers and God. Since then, religions have wrought more destruction than construction among societies. Vested interests exploited the abstractness of religions and God. Yet we perpetuate the case of religions which hinder progress. It is time to really separate Governance from religions especially those religions which profess that Governance and control over people is part of a religion. Along with better economy, society too needs to change.
Yes Governance (by whichever government) is not all politics. In a democracy, politics can be brought into any event, view or incident and when it is done the event is eclipsed. It is important to distinguish policies from politics. There may be a political flavour in a policy. It will do the Nation good if discussions are confined to the merit/demerit of the policy and not the abstract matter of politics, imagined or true, behind it.
Discussions are not arguments. Discussions afford opportunities to express different viewpoints and if the decision-making authority is part of it, the discussion may help them in making decisions. Protracted, nebulous and infructuous discussions away from the core of the topic will lead us only deep into the wilderness. On the other hand, if we let discussions slip into arguments, again we will reach nowhere. An argument is to decide who is right – such as in courts of law. That is why the lawyers “argue” and the judges preside over the proceedings. Politics and Governance is not about individuals or “Who” is right.
Is India ready? When an opposition all through the decades or any government shuns change for fear of losing power gives an impression that India was, is and will always be ready for progress and development to improve living standards just as it has happened in Japan, Korea and China in the last few decades.
Tailpiece: Over thirty top companies of the World with a net value of over a trillion dollars are led by Indian origin CEOs. Indian is changing WITH SUCH OPPORTUNITIES hopefully being facilitated in our country after many decades of decadence. Let India emerge from the shackles of medieval religions. Let us shun beliefs and start believing in ourselves.
Let us not be in doubt. India is always ready
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.