Resilience. If there is one word that describes our journey as a Nation these past seventy-five years, this would be it. We fell, we rose, we fell harder, yet we rose higher. There was a time when we had no allies, no country to fall back upon. Shortages of food, financial emergencies, external aggressions, and the opposition from the powers that be in our journey to become a nuclear state; we faced them head-on. Despite all these, when anyone talks about 'India that is Bharat', they cannot deny that this has been a story of consistent success.
I am patriotic. For me, loyalty to one's motherland is what completes one as a human. However, at the time of writing this article, it is pure logic that drives me. History bears testimony that notwithstanding all its trials and tribulations, we refused to compromise on the values and ideals that make us who we are. These values bind us together in a grip more robust than any of our adversities can hope to severe. Let me take, for example, one of the earliest challenges we faced as a nation newborn: the pressure to choose sides during the Cold War. When most newly independent countries were coerced to pick, often at their detriment, India walked with head held high as leaders asserted that we, then a nation of millions, were not obliged to toe anyone's lines. All those years back, a new fledgling nation made its first splash. To date, the India-led Non-Alignment has been an inspiration for all the small countries to raise a voice of their own. That day, we chose not only what was best for our own people, but more importantly, we paved the way of peace and justice. Decisions such as these can be our ideal and our marg darshak for the years to come.
Fast forward a few years, and we had our first female Head of Government, a feat many developed nations have not been able to achieve to date. For us, equality among our people is not something that must be taught or imposed. It is innate and has been for aeons. It is, once again, a part of the value system that governs us all at a primal level. Prime Minister Gandhi became one of the most powerful leaders of the country and one of the iconic figures of the globe. Her bold moves, which were unexpected from a non-military superpower created shockwaves around the world. I recall with slight amusement the time when she made President Nixon wait for her for about forty-five minutes as payback for him doing something similar to her! This was during the 1971 war when the Prime Minister had gone for a world tour to secure global support for the Bangladeshi cause, President Nixon in his classic power play decided to make her wait for forty-five minutes before inviting her into the Oval. A few days later, when he was invited to the Blair House in Washington, Indira kept him waiting before emerging from her quarters to greet him.
Another of my favourite historical images is of her standing on the podium with Queen Elizabeth II, the coloniser and the erstwhile colonised, as nothing but equal. What both the leaders would have had going on in their minds is anybody's guess!
Our humanity and desire to be a responsible world power shone through during the 1971 war. Our leaders and people refused to allow the trampling of human rights in our neighbourhood and took the tough call. Going against the will of a superpower, Indian army was sent to deliver those in need of deliverance.
The Armed forces is another of our greatest source of pride; the people who have answered their mother's call and outdid themselves every time they were put to test. India is one of the few countries with an elite fighting force that is one hundred per cent voluntary. While oft-repeated, Orwell was entirely correct when he said that people sleep peaceably on their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. Had it not been for those who are prepared to shed blood without a moment's thought, we would not be able to enjoy the privilege of going about our lives carefree. While most of us never realise it, it is a privilege.
Considering that the past has had its shares of successes and failures, it is undeniable that a new test begins today. As the newly elected President salutes her troops on the Red Fort and the Prime Minister addresses the Nation from its ramparts, we must realise that a new era shines. We are no longer the 'developing', and 'newly independent nation'. As we turn the pages to the seventy-fifth chapter, the responsibilities are more than ever before. No longer can we resort to the excuse of being a 'newly' independent country with a heavy colonial burden. That encumbrance is shed, our wings must spread and we must fly.
'Azadi ki Amrit Kaal' , the countdown to India at a hundred, is no mere slogan. It is, in fact, a test of fire. What we do these twenty-five years shall largely determine our next two hundred and fifty. As a population, we must understand one integral lesson. It is not the duty solely of our leaders to work for the country's betterment, it is each one of ours. A radical change in mindset is required to achieve the envisioned success. This is the right time to ask what we can do for our country. For the next twenty-five years, we have but one duty: to march ahead, forego fear, shed the burdens of our past, and prosper.
This is a collective dream, and we must realise it.
Raatri Prabhatil Udil Ravichhabi,
Purb Uday Giri Bhaaley
Gaahey Vihangam Punya Sumiran,
Nav Jeevan Rash Dhaley
Tab Karunaarun Raage,
Nidrit Bhaarat Jagey
Tab Charane Nat Maatha
Jaya Hey, Jaya Hey, Jaya Hey,
Jaya Jaya Jaya, Jaya Hey
Author- Anubhav Mukherjee
BA. LLB. Year 1