Republic: What Is Our Worth..?

The world’s first republic was born 2.5K years ago in Vaishali, India, during the Licchavirule

- VIJAY DARDA

Recently, a news story regarding Kishore Kanyal-- an IAS officer stationed in Shajapur, -- asking a trucker, kya aukaat hai tumhari? (What is your worth?) was widely circulated. This question was posed during a meeting with a transporters' body.

The incident came to the attention of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who promptly relieved Kanyal of his duties as collector. When the media approached the driver for his response, he simply stated, "The real question is, what is our worth?" This incident reminded me of a similar situation at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards ceremony, where renowned actor Nana Patekar had questioned Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis thus: "Do we voters have any value?".

This week, we are going to celebrate the 74th Republic Day and enter into the 'Amrit Kaal' of the 75th year of the Republic. In light of this, it is crucial to ponder over the true worth of the common man in our nation.

However, before delving into this issue it is worth mentioning that India bestowed the gift of 'republicanism' upon the world.

Some 2,500 years ago, the Licchavi kings of Vaishali established a republican system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the Licchavi Republic during his address at the United Nations. Nevertheless, our current focus lies on the present era rather than delving into history.

Theoretically speaking, we the voters are omnipotent. We can elevate whoever we want to the pinnacle of power and remove those we deem unfit for power.