Independence with the facts

15th August is almost upon us. It is the day when our country became independent. From that time on and 60 years later, our country has made great progress. Economic conditions are far better than what they used to be in the earlier period. India is enjoying Prosperity and success in Industries, Business as well as attitude. The last point being that Indians are now almost intellectual role models in the world, quiet a development from the time when we were considered the Land of Snake Charmers and mystics. But, along with independence celebrations, the country has several problems and bottlenecks. Two instances in the recent past have highlighted this, and they will continue to be in the coming independence day celebrations.

Two reports recently, one regarding about the poverty level and increasing corruption have once again stolen the headlines. More than 80% of the population of India live on 20 rupees a day, that is equivalent to 600 rupees a month. In dollar terms, this comes to approximately to 15$. Time and time again, we are confronted with these reports of the widening economic divide of the country. Can an Ordinary Citizen believe this fact, when so many news channels blare about the strides that India has taken?

Another report spoke about how by paying a particular sum, anybody can become an Indian. By paying an agent, all required documents which constitute an Indian Citizen proof can be furnished. Fake identities can be issued almost as if it is a day to day activity. The mindset of citizens, including even me, unfortunately, is that we overshoot the rules and the law to get our work done. The normal and correct procedure for acquiring government documents comes by standing in government offices for long hours on end and then submitting it to the direct authorities concerned.

Both highlight the threats that our country is facing from becoming a great one. The problem of corruption is manifest in every nation, but it is upto people to change their attitude. It is upto Citizen activism to promote greater transparency. There is a lesson for the government institutions themselves. Laws and procedures have to be made in accordance with time. The world today moves technologically, and hence Bureaucratic holds have to be shattered, so that technology can come in and minimize corruption. Only if sustained and immediate technological development is undertaken in this field, only then Transparency can set in. In order for this to work, Citizens need to follow rules and submit adequate documents and also shatter their Apathy in getting it done.

This can also become a deterrent for terrorists who seek to sow chaos in our country. The second problem is quiet complex. The reason being that many sections of society are polarized on it. Some refuse to even see it, while others go to the other extreme that there are a lot of problems and that development is a blindfold for the real problems that are present in this country. What, as a common man, should i believe in? Is the 80% irrelevant or is India really on the path of development?

I have argued a number of times that development in India has not been all encompassing. Now, on the 60th year of Independence, i am wondering whether to highlight these flaws and become a pessimist citizen who anybody can accuse of not being patriotic; or become an optimistic citizen and turn a blind eye to the 80% poverty fact. This is one independence day celebration which is quiet confusing, because i cannot be pessimistic but at the same time, i cant be optimistic also about the future.

I guess, once again the people of this country will leave these issues upon time, and go on with the prosperity that is available in this country. No doubt of the fact that Giant strides have been taken, but in accepting this fact, are we turning a blind eye to all the other host of facts in this country. I am left in a limbo as 15th August dawns nearer.