EDITORIAL COLUMMN

Friends

69th Independence Day has come and gone as usual into the national amnesia. The Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi in his second appearance, at the Red Fort, addressed the gathering in his usual inimitable style. But it clearly lacked the intensity of the maiden speech. That uniqueness of the fire from the depth of his heart was deeply missing. If the 2014 rhetoric raised the national optimism to an unprecedented level, this time round, it was more stock taking of the 15 months’ performance of his NDA regime. No doubt he has led the nation from front. A very decisive prime minister we ever had. Rattling of statistics of the progress of the schemes like Jan Dhan yojana, then pension yojana, life insurance cover for poor, model village initiatives by MPs, toilets in schools and villages, etc., he claimed performance on his promise of 2014 speech.

While it is true that there have been some progress in many fronts, the progress certainly could have been better, if only the prime minister had more flexible approach with his political opponents. Besides, the promises were far too many, hopes raised earlier were of  high order not backed by adequate performance. Of course, still there are over 3 years left in office for Modi to perform. This time round the talk about the 'start-ups’ have no doubt raised hopes of youth. But then, it should not end up half done. However it is hoped since all that was promised are all work-in-progress, including Swatch Bharath Abhiyan, coming years shall have better degree of performance and therefore completion.

Addressing the nation was also President Pranab Mukherjee. As usual President being a figure head, and with political background of close to fifty plus years, surmourising has become his forte, which he or his government of those years couldn’t think and do. Look at this statement “We are an inclusive democracy and an inclusive economy, there is place for everyone in the hierarchy of wealth. But the first call goes to those who suffer on the brink of deprivation. Our policies must be geared to meet the ‘Zero Hunger’ challenge in a foreseeable future.” Well President, ‘Gareebi Hatao’ has been a slogan of your then prime minister Indira Gandhi, over four decades ago. And your party has been in power close to six decades. What have you and your government did to address this deep deprivation? While you have done nothing, you have promoted your private interest by making your son a Member of Parliament, from your constituency as if it is your private borough. You also tried to make your daughter an MLA in Delhi, and you are concerned about deprivation!!

But then, Indian politicians are all like Pranab Mukherjee, opportunists promoting only themselves and their families. This is Yeh Mera India.

Passing away of former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on 28th July has certainly rendered the country poorer. He has been a model human being, a model student, a model scientist, a model manager and indeed a model president. We have Focused on him, this month. He deserves more, however we hope readers shall find it worth their time. Do revert with your valuable inputs. Rest are as usual.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

FOCUS : APRIL- 2023 K. K MUHAMMED & SINU JOSEPH THEIR RELEVANCE TO INDIAN SOCIETY

Month-in-Perspective for October 2022

Focus for October 2022