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The Constitution of India, our guiding light, promises a nation where prosperity and
equality go hand in hand. Enshrined in its preamble, the words “WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA” reflect the dreams our constitution framers had for a glorious nation with reduced disparity and a reasonable standard of living for all its citizens.
The Constitution laid the foundation for economic equality, employment, education, and gender equality. It aimed to provide free and compulsory education for children and ensure equal opportunities and rights for all genders. India’s political landscape has been dotted with memorable slogans that aimed to inspire and mobilize the masses. Some of the most iconic ones include “Garibi Hatao,” “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” and “Sampoorna Kranti.” These slogans were coined by iconic personalities such as Pandit Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Jayaprakash Narayan. These powerful words were not only meant to motivate but also to encapsulate the essence of the policies and visions they represented.
However, decades later, the disparity remains a pressing concern. While statistical data may sometimes suggest progress, firsthand experiences and everyday conditions often tell a different story. As a product of growth and independence, I witnessed the best that these promises could offer for the growth of my family. Raised in a position of favored status, I enjoyed the benefits that our rulers promised and became one of the ‘Haves’ of post-independence India. But what about the average Indian? Have they received the same benefits? The improvement in the ease of living conditions for the average Indian seems perpetually postponed.
When I read about non-performing assets (NPAs) worth thousands of crores, delays in the judicial system, underemployment, and poor education and healthcare, and see my maid toiling for below-poverty-line wages, it becomes evident that there is an inefficient, flawed, and corrupt system at play. I wonder if the slogans were meant to guide us to growth and better living or to keep us dreaming. Now that slogans and promises cannot influence the voters as they once did, a new strategy has evolved: Free Bees.
The concept of “Free Bees” to provide immediate relief at the cost of long-term development is indeed a double-edged sword. It can offer short-term benefits but may hinder sustainable growth and development. The challenge lies in finding a balance between immediate relief and long-term progress.
There is an urgent need to stop disinformation, distortion, and character assassinations. Self-regulation should be the first step, followed by judicial activism ensuring that people have access to accurate and reliable information ,so essential for a functioning democracy.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint