The New Republic

In the past 71 years, there is much we can be proud of but equally be disturbed about. What we need is a radical new agenda to fast-track growth for India@75

- Traj Chengappa

We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic and to secure to all its citizens: Justice, social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality of status and of opportunity, and to promote among them all, Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.”

With this Preamble of noble objectives, India as a nation formally adopted the Constitution on January 26, 1950, declaring itself a Republic. Now, 71 years later, as we celebrated the day with a dazzling display of India’s might and cultural diversity (though marred later by rampaging farmer protests), it was time not just to look back and assess what we have achieved so far and where we have fallen short but also to look ahead and see how we can do things better and faster. For the Covid-19 pandemic has forever changed the country and the world as we knew it. Life and our well-being never seemed as fragile as they do now. The pandemic may have ushered in the age of anxiety, but it has also bred a new determination and sense of urgency to realise the nation’s full potential at the very earliest. To paraphrase Jawaharlal Nehru, a moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we are forced to step out from the old to the new. Such a moment has now come.