Thursday, October 23, 2008

Are we Minorities in India?


Are literate middle class and upper middle class minorities in India? You may be amazed but that’s the fact. Don’t you think well educated, cultured responsible tax payers of the country minorities? Think Again!!! For me we are, else why do we not agree with most of the unfortunate things that happen in this country?  Be it Nano from Singur, to MNS in Maharashtra, I just cannot believe that we are so politically unsecure and power hungry that we want to divide the country in all ways from religion, to caste, to domicile and the ever green rich and the poor!!

Today’s paper though inspiring to see that India, joins the league of “Moon Mission” countries, but on the other hand, it is MNS chief, who gets bails after creating so much trouble in the name of Maharashtra and its people. I fail to understand, their political stand, beating up poor taxi wallas form UP, condemning celebrity like Mr Bachchan, criticizing "Chat Puja" and Lalu Prasad Yadav, and now bashing up people at an exam center of railway recruitment board in Maharashtra. How does it help and what is the connection of outsider (non maharashtrian) bring to the state if he wishes to select his exam centre in Mumbai or Maharashtra

The parliament debates “Terrorism” and its cause, effect and consequences, signs Nuke deals for a “so called” prospering country like India, but do they sit back and think about the people for whom they are doing this? Are these fanatic nomads worthy of such progress when they are out to spread terrorism in the name of state, caste creed and religion? All this at whose expense? Our Own!!

Are we moving towards the days when we have forgotten our own definition of our own country? My civic book & the constitution of India defined " India a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic Country"

Are we moving to the days when we need visa to visit other states in our own country?

Are we moving to a day when we shall not have 28 states within India, but 28 new countries in the world map?

Are we moving to a day, when we no longer clap for Sachin Tendulkar, when he plays in Kolkata or Bangalore?  Oh sorry the question of clapping will come, when we have him play for the Indian team, cos there may not be one that time!!

If you & me think the same way and echo similar sentiments, then please consider your self minorities in this country, cos the majority does not think that way!!

On the contrary, we are also responsible for being Minorities in our own country, because we are educated, socially established, have a status, pay our taxes, and apolitical in thought. We do not exercise our fundamental rights of voting. We are not bothered about what happens with our money that goes as Tax. All we do is Crib Crib & adopt!! I know this may be hurting, but if I am pointing one finger at you, four is pointing at me, cos I belong to the same class.

People can argue that if we are aware, why do not we contest and join the political band wagon, the answer is simple, “who’s gonna get into the mess”. Do you think, a middle class families parents without any political back ground, ever motivate his children to be a politician. Gandhiji and Chacha Neheru, may be icons, but it is sad to say that they remain icons in the history books.

Though we have a constitution which was made in good faith, people have construed its weak links in their own favor. I ask, if there is an age barrier to indulge in small pleasures of life and with moral policing all over (thanks to Ramados), be it the right to vote, or hold a drink, or get married, why there is no basic qualification and character required to contest an election? Why there is no entry barrier for people who wish to take up the role to rule the country. If the state secretaries need to go through such grilling procedure to qualify for IAS positions then why not the Minister or an aspiring MP or MLA?

All this leads to one Question  will this country, its people, its law and the judiciary system ever stand up to a cause and ACT  fast to protect “Brand India” and its “Reputation Risk” which gets flaunted by any and every body in the name of democracy?

Will “We” be able to ever come out of our own pleasure and stand up to fight this “political mockery” of the people, for the people & by the people?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is true. We are in a tough situation here. Even if there are willing educated souls to get into politics - The TOI Lead India campaign, or the polical party floated by ex-IITians - the System has become such a Frankenstein that it can overthrow anyone. Can we look forward to the Supreme Court to enact some law for "min. qualification" of a politician? I'm sure its a far cry with such a large percentage of the population still not having access to primary education! We may have more than half the nation unrepresented!

There must be some way... There must be a solution! What is it?