NOT A CAKEWALK

AS BHARAT CELEBRATED 75TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH LOT OF POMP AND GAIETY, IT NEEDS TO INTROSPECT AND BALANCE THE CONTRADICTIONS

- SUDHANSHU DAS

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, meaning nectar of grand celebration to signify 75 years of India’s Independence from the British Colonial slavery, began on March 12, 2021, and will continue up to August 15, 2023. The Government of India also started a campaign Har Ghar Tiranga that is to fly the national flag on every house. Its end objective is to promote, advance and consolidate the spirit of “Nationalism” amongst the current generation of “We the People”.

Azadi means “freedom”; Amrit means “nectar”; and Mahotsav means “festival”. “Why and what for the much hyped celebrations by “We the People” sponsored and encouraged by all political parties? Common academically in the past to highlight that what we got 75years ago is “Political Freedom for 34 crores” from British colonial Rule, more aptly, slavery. But, what about the strangulation of polity by the resurgent neo-dynasty’s and feudal lords?

Woeful lack of understanding of the true import of “British Colonial Rule” is real. Irrefutable fact is subjugation of South Asia by the “British Crown” between 1857-1947 virtually in all dimensions to include: political, social, cultural and economic. The British exploited— looted—natural resources and, in turn, exploited its markets—over £45 trillion. But, no corruption at all levels. In contrast, Indian rulers and leaders are exploiting the country, more aptly, looting the country. However, what was most destructive is the shift engineered by the British by imposition of their language and cultural values—total shift to Western modes and ways of life.