PREMCHAND'S PANCH PARMESHWAR

The Preamble to our constitution states four foundations or pillars on which our Republic and democracy is based - Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

- HIMANSHU DHULIYA

All are equally important and the State and the Citizens have to jointly and continually work to achieve these, to refine these, to resolve contradictions.

The concept of 'Justice' which is the key to success of any society and ensures all the other three principles- Equality, Liberty and Fraternity. We witness a large number of people seeking justice in the various Courts in India where there is insurmountable pendency.

In such an atmosphere it is people who have to resolve their differences themselves by arbitration, conciliation, reconciliation and negotiation. We need not necessarily know the intricacies of jurisprudence because all responsible citizens have an inherent and intrinsic sense of fairness and fair play.

It is experienced that people in rural areas and villages have a sound sense of Justice and traditional village Panchayats are testimonies. A sense of justice may not be restricted to Law alone but in society too we are expected to be fair to each other.

It is famously said that 'Laws do not make people virtuous'. And yet, at the individual level we are imperfect in varying degrees. It is indeed normal as far as it does not result in conflict and violence.

Certain contradictions, competitiveness are acceptable and understandable. However we all wear a veneer of sophistication but underneath we are different- parochial, suffering from stereotype, bearing prejudicial leanings toward our institutions, regions etc.

In order to communicate better and provide a perspective I narrate a story of 'Premchand' to whom I lean for solace from time to time, if not for solutions.

The story is titled 'Panch Parmeshwar' and was written in Urdu in 1916 and published in 'Zamana' newspaper from Kanpur. It was published as a book in 1920.