INDEPENDENT India has entered 63nd year. How do we look at our republic that was the upshot of a hard struggle of decades in which thousands sacrificed their lives, spent years in incarnation and suffered untold misery?

How do we celebrate the great day with a sense of fulfillment and joy or with a sense of profound grief and despondency?

It all depends who we are and what are our concerns. If we are rich; old or neo, we are in the seat of power and have living standards that compete with the advanced capitalist world. And, also, if we belong to the ruling elite and can call the shots, we have all those luxuries of the world; big or medium bungalows, cars and have pockets full of dollars. Or we those who have stacked billions in Swiss Banks and children are in the best of public schools[ not those dingy weather beaten government schools], can travel first class and enjoy sojourns in world of luxurious class hotels , be in scented locations around the world. Women adorn themselves with high class apparels and diamonds. When sick, can be treated in five star hospitals.

You ought to celebrate. And, pray that this ‘democracy’ flourishes well without any hiccups. Do not regret being in minority. You may not even take the trouble to stand in the queue and vote. ‘Others’ will do that job and get you the government that takes care of your interests. You appreciate it and celebrate with fervour.

But if you have not even two meals for the day. No assured water supply, no employment, not even the basic amenities; houses or toilets or education , electricity , health care and are blessed with emaciated bodies to stand and walk around in misery. May suffer from tuberculosis, malaria and harsh fevers and other untold desolation. Do throw thousands of curses on your rulers and please for not a second blame your gods or yourself of the pitiable life.

Yet this democracy is not meaningless. It offers an opportunity for a democratic struggle and its regular elections are not a mean achievement either. There is every hope that peoples’ struggle get filliups and India thrives with its people gaining their rights; economic, social and political.

We need to know who is responsible for the miserable life which over 50 crore people in our blessed democracy that wants to be the super power of this 21st century.

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