The Idea of India: Time to Celebrate

As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its existence as an independent nation, it’s time to reflect what India truly represents. What has given it the resilience to meet multiple challenges on the economic, political and social fronts and to retain the status as the largest democracy for the last 75 years?

Three pillars of our strength are the primacy accorded to the individual, the emphasis on pluralism and the successful operation of the federal structure.

Diversity of races, cultures, traditions, languages and religions has been respected by the constitution and the people without any discrimination on the grounds of sex, caste or religion.
Our diversity is not a weakness, it has become the greatest strength. Unity in diversity makes us feel to be proud of our rich heritage with
28 states
8 union territories
30 major festivals
22 languages
19500 dialects
but country one, that’s India.

The constitution defines India as a Union of States. There is a clear division of responsibilities between the Union and the States in the matter of governance. The pluralist ethos comes under strain at times, but that has not disturbed in any way the federal fibre enshrined in the constitution. Transfer of power through ballots has always been very smooth.

In the last 75 years after independence, pillars of progress have moved fast. The momentum of India’s economic progress so far is exemplary, though there was a setback due to covid. We are now back on the rails.

There are, however, a number of factors like the growth of middle class, need of better and higher education, food security and nutrition, as also infrastructure development that need to be addressed more vigorously. Technology has to play a critical role to ensure delivery of equitable and inclusive growth.

Freedom has not been achieved so easily. It was a long battle to free the country from the 200-year colonial rule. We are indebted to our national heroes and freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives and made this country what it is today. Today is an occasion for remembrance and reaffirmations. May the future bring more glory to our great nation.

I’m proud of the country I breathe in freely, I’m proud of its people whom I love immensely and I’m proud of its diversity that has stood the test of time from the thousands of years.

For us, जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी
(Mother and motherland are superior to the highest heavens.) I pledge that I’ll live and die for my beloved country, and even after my death, only one sound will come from my ashes flown in the Ganges, “Bharat Mata ki Jai” (Long live Mother India).

Let’s remain united under one flag, one anthem and one dream, a dream to grow and prosper as a resilient and thriving nation.

While we rededicate ourselves to
safety, security and sovereignty
on glorious 76th Independence
Day, we salute the very dignity
and pride of all the nations
and their nationalities
flags and anthems,
as we believe in
वसुधैव कुटुंबकम्
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
(the whole world is a family)

🇮🇳🇮🇳Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳🇮🇳

–Kaushal Kishore

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