I am so grateful that the election results have averted the consequences of having communal forces as the central leadership of India. I think finally people will agree that judging a book by it's cover may not be so smart after all, especially if the criteria to pull someone down becomes a camouflage for the inability to deliver on the promises made ones self. Perhaps it is wise to remember that the Indian electorate are not fools, and they are quick to figure out that grandiose speeches do not necessarily translate into actions that may benefit the crucial needs of the masses.
Divisive agendas in politics have begun to pall with a public that is looking for solutions to real problems like access to better education, unemployment, housing requirements, health-care, rural development, curbing of inflation, over crowding of cities, clean water supplies, civic maintenance, farmers subsidies and thousands of other such needs that we confront everyday and struggle to deal with.
As Indians we talk, with great concern, about enemies who live outside of our borders who harbour ill-will and the desire to destabilize our beloved country. But when I hear the rhetoric of some of our Indians, and especially those with political aspirations, who speak the language of hate and communalism, I know in that instance that the true enemy really lies within those sentiments. It is such attitudes that fail to recognise that secular freedom is the only key of democratic liberty and that we need this if we are to embrace our uniquely pluralistic population, and be a united country.
I have to admit that up till yesterday, I was not a die-hard Rahul Gandhi enthusiast. But he has earned my respect and my support with evidencing, amongst other qualities of endeavour, a bi-partisan political philosophy that is genuine and heart felt. His measured and cautious approach to contextualising current situations and engaging with a historical overview of Indian democracy; suggests he is strategist with a long term vision, and sees himself in political life for the long haul. Though repeatedly accused of ridding on the fame of his family, he has in fact shown that he is learning-the-ropes from the grassroots. To empower the youth to view public service as a possible means to development and progress would necessitate involving people to alter their mindsets, and comprehend that change comes only if it is personally worked for. It is young political voices like Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah that makes me feel assured that our secular democracy may not be hijacked or lead astray that easily, whatever the communal forces and their agencies may attempt to do.
This electoral victory is a moral victory for many voices in India today.
No comments:
Post a Comment