EDITOR'S COLUMN

Friends 

So yet another Independence Day is round the corner. 15th Aug. shall usher the rush of tri-colours once again as an annual event. Once again the Prime Minister shall address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, ‘how the Union Jack came down from atop the public structures all across India’. So will be the President of Indian Union, this time round, the new incumbent Pranab Mukherjee.

What both these 'numero uno's, the 'defacto' head and the 'dejure' head of the nation, shall be saying, is difficult  to wager, since, not only India but even globally, there are all kinds of issues plaguing the human society. Therefore response to what they are going to say, will have to wait for the next issue. But the fact remains, it is increasingly becoming an unfinished agenda for ever. In 1947 we were underdeveloped thanks to the colonial devastation by the parting Britishers. In 2012, 65 years later, as a free independent Democratic Republic of India, we are still a developing nation. If prior to 1947, it was the 'Videshi' who plundered us, from 1947, it is the 'Desi' who looted the Mother India, black & blue. The story of loot by Indians, of India and Indians, is a varitable 'Magnum Opus', for any creative writer. 

Whether it is the mind boggling mountain of corruption or flight of sleaze, as black money, into European tax havens, it is the legitimate money of all Indians. But not available even for the development of the country. Successive governments at the centre have played politics in acting decisively to tackle corruption in high places and to identify and to bring back money in secret accounts abroad.

We all realise there is fiscal deficit, balance of payment deficit and  other macro economic issues which are in urgent need of being addressed and corrected. The solution lies in taking the twin issue of corruption and black money head-on. But unfortunately, the power that be, appear very powerless to do anything. The powerful duo of PM and former FM, who is the present incumbent of Rashtrapathi Bhavan, have both failed to inspire confidence that they are seriously interested in tackling these two national scourges. This is indeed very sad as we complete 65 years as a free, vibrant, dynamic regional power, but lapsing into uncertain waters. However, despite all negatives, let’s celebrate the Independence Day. So its wishing all our readers “Swatantr Diwas ki Shubh Kaamnaye”.

Month-In-Perspective is as usual. We have come up with our own take on the events of the month, as was possible within the constraints. In recent days Bharat Ratna was in the media limelight, with Sachin Tendulkar’s name making its rounds. We have taken it up in the Focus. We are not sure, how will readers take it. We will be happy to have your feedback. We do value them.