SIXTY three years ago on this day India finally succeeded in throwing away the yoke of slavery. That was indeed a great day as it was the culmination of a long arduous struggle that demanded huge sacrifices. India at all levels had struggled hard for decades to throw the tyrant British out. They had once come as traders and then with their cunning and of course clever work dominated India for over 200 years. India which was a big economic power in the 17th and early 18th century was rendered as a hopeless salve country, shorn of any new ideas, inventions and economic wealth.

These over six decades have not been without attainments. There have also been plenty of problems, unresolved issues and hardships. But what should draw our attention is that in the name of economic progress, we are pawning our hard won freedom and those powers that enslaved for centuries are back and with new tricks capturing our bodies ands souls. In the name of nuclear power, terrorism, foreign investments, these hegemonic powers are back with revenge. We can clearly see this happen in the arena of foreign policy and economic independence. All in the name of globalization and inter dependence of the nations in the 21st century.

We do not have to be cynical despite 50 per cent of the people without adequate food, 70 per cent without potable water and toilets and above all half India without jobs to make a descent living. We need to be vigilant and have courage to stand up to injustice and reject hegemony.

Celebrate what we have and struggle for better future.

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