By the Editor: Siddharth Sehgal
Though it’s celebrated more as a ceremony these days but even in a symbolic sense, Indians and especially Indians of the middle class should reflect on the spirit that broke the chains of bondage and inspired us for a brighter future however difficult it may be to attain.
At the time of freedom in 1947 everyone was more or less equal, people who raised slogans, marched in protest, went to jails went on to rebuild the country. We got a constitution, we built roads, bridges, factories and laid the foundations for the building blocks of the society’s growth, it was a fascinating generation similar to the newer generation of today in some sense with one significant difference. People of the middle class in those days were very active in politics, unlike shady and often filthy rich politicians who represents us in parliament, politicians of that time period were from varied backgrounds and having experienced the oppression under the British rule they were more committed towards serving a population that was very much like them, it wasn’t a money game at all, no lobbying groups, no think tanks, no corporate meddling in policy decisions, it was fair field for everyone. Politicians were answerable to their constituents, plain and simple.
Middle class of today though actively participate in the voting process becomes cold feet when it comes to contesting elections. Some out of fear, some out of hesitation and some will reason that it’s a waste of time; money and effort so why even bother. They’ll choose to elect an undeserving and unfamiliar candidate from a big party rather than try a new but reliable candidate who’s contesting on his own. The people who are not well off or not that educated are easily deceived by glittery promises but its our responsibility to make them aware. Off course things are changing but I think we have still a long road ahead. Until middle class stands up for itself things like inflation, corruption, lawlessness, nepotism and lack of infrastructure will continue to haunt our current and future generations.
Someone will have to take courage, the first step of facing an enormous task of bringing politics from that of millionaires to that of multitudes. Sacrifices will be needed but we have to start somewhere. Independence is never cheap, it’s hard to get and yet harder to keep. Jai Hind.
Contesting elections these days has become a game of chess, black and white ‘piyadas, kings, horses, elephants’ and the game itself, where big powerful industrialists give donations and then dictate their terms,
I think the US is facing the same situation with Donald Trump as a Presidential contestant. Any middle class contestant there?
Obviously not. The middle class does not have money to contest, they would rather spend their hard earned money on their kith and kin
After Independence, people worked towards nation building now politicians are not the same they believe in building their own castles and the future castles for their generations to come. If they were such conscientious people, India would be a corruption free country ages back and its citizens standing morally on their own two legs and not on reservation
Sorry i forgot to add the ‘vazirs’ of the chessboard….
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There’s definately a great deal to know about this issue. I love all the points you made. http://yahoo.co.uk