This article got published in Readers Quotient on 26th Jan 2011.
Another year has ended and going by Mayan Prediction we are closer to the end of the world. In a few days India is going to celebrate its 61st Republic day where we would publish India’s report card to the world. Suddenly I started feeling home-sick thinking about republic day. My parents are old fashioned patriots who ensure that special delicacies are prepared on the eve of 15th Aug and 26th Jan, since they felt it’s extremely important to celebrate the milestones of our free country. While engrossed in the thoughts of mom’s special delicacies, a little girl started tapping the window pane trying to sell some tricolors. Her tiny body and saucer eyes made her resemble the classic poster girl for poverty. She tapped on the window of my cab and said, ‘‘happy republic day saab.’’ She was shivering as she sold the plastic flags to motorists, most of whom shooed her away. She possibly didn’t know the meaning or importance of the Republic Day, but she knew that she would make some extra rupees that week. And that made her happy! For the little girl, those few extra rupees may have translated into extra bread for dinner.
Looking at her made me think where is the country heading? What is our government’s goal for the country apart from robbing the common mans hard earned money to quench their desires? Do the people like the small girl on the streets begging or selling toys are ever part of the agenda to start with? It’s been over 60 years of our Independence but how much have we progressed? What is the measure of the country’s progress? Does the country’s progress ever take into account the poor and under the poverty line people? Recently I read somewhere- “According to recent Forbe’s list of Wealthiest people in the world, there are 23 billionaires in India with combined net worth of $99bn.” And on the other hand we have around 40 % of Indians below the poverty line who can’t afford to spend even Rs. 21.6 per day to get the basic 3 meals.
Recently some entertainment channel was showcasing the minute details of the humble billion dollar Ambani Residence with 27 floors and 3 helipads as the world’s luxuriest home in Mumbai, where around 60% of the population resides in slums or streets. When one lands in Mumbai, you get the visual treat of Dharaavi (Asia’s largest slum) and the sorry state of our country which Danny Boyle has painted on the celluloid for the world to witness. It’s difficult to believe that on one hand India have few of the most affluent people in the world (www.forbes.com) who can topsy-turvy the country’s economy, while the other side of the coin is rusted with poverty where people are struggling tooth and nail to survive each day. I don’t have any complaints or resent against the rich and affluent people in the country coz they are in a way face of the country and in some ways are able to showcase the world that India is not a snake charmers country anymore. They have worked hard enough to be in their current position and are working harder to maintain that position which should be appreciated. But what about the downtrodden half of the society? Who is responsible for them? What is the government doing for their upliftment apart from making programs on the paper? The fact is, even though there are facilities/schemes being initiated, the target audience don’t get to know or avail the facilities as there is corruption in every level. By the time the huge issued amount trickles down, there is nothing left for the needy; however documentation would be available to prove that the scheme has been a huge success leading to some more such schemes.
By pointing out all the negative aspects and losing hope I might sound cynical; which is the state of most of the youngsters and educated section. With the current rate of corruption, the country is doomed for disaster and probably our generation would be there to witness it. It’s high time that we think about some measures to get the country move in the right direction. The least we as citizens can do is pay our taxes on time and don’t encourage corruption from our end as must as possible. Stop paying the traffic policemen for the lack of license or signal crossing. Follow the rules in the first place and if not, get a receipt for the paid money. I am not saying that this would change the country’s destiny but could be a stepping stone. The girl like this who is selling flags would probably end up in the metro’s mean streets turning tricks and hustling or peddling drugs, who would never see the inside of a concrete home. For such people the blue plastic sheet will have to suffice. Her bright eyes and cheerful smile will soon be replaced by a hard, stony expression. But chances are she will still be working on the same streets decade from now. Try telling people like them “Mera Bharat Mahaan”, she might just punch you.
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