Today marks the 15th of August, 77 years since India gained independence in 1947. Much has changed over these years. Governments have come and gone, with prime ministers recounting the nation’s history of independence from the Red Fort and affirming the country’s progress. Today, too, the Red Fort will echo with stories of India's journey and the anthem "Jana Gana Mana" will usher the nation towards a new beginning. There’s no denying that India has established its dominance on the global stage. The United States and Russia, despite being adversaries, both value India's friendship and opinions. India is committed to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, and its diplomatic relationships with other nations hold unique significance. However, the hostility with neighboring countries remains unresolved. While India remains steadfast, the shamelessness and incompetence of its neighbors, particularly China and Pakistan, continue to fuel conflicts. China's border incursions have only deepened the enmity, and Pakistan's relentless terrorist activities are a persistent threat. It's a known fact that Pakistan is the root of global terrorism. Sooner or later, India will have to confront Pakistan directly. Even as we celebrate the 78th Independence Day, the risk of a terrorist attack looms over us. We hope for peace, but if something happens, the day of freedom might be marred by bloodshed.
Amidst the rigorous preparations for the 78th Independence Day at the Red Fort in Delhi, sources reveal that terrorists are plotting to spread terror in the country. There is fear that terrorists may attack in the form of human bombs on the 15th of August. Intelligence agencies have issued an alert, warning that terrorists may target VVIPs. After the recent attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, heightened vigilance has been advised. Crowded places and iconic landmarks are at risk. Delhi has always been a target for Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, and special caution has been urged for the city. Under such circumstances, it’s understandable how the celebratory spirit of Independence Day could be dampened, yet we pray that this national festival passes without incident.
While the threat of terror stains the national festival, the overall atmosphere in the country also dampens the spirits of the Indian populace. The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee from Kolkata Medical College and Hospital have shocked the nation. Crimes against women show no signs of abating, which is deeply distressing. Additionally, corruption, murders, rapes, and bribery continue to plague the country, eroding moral values to the point where it feels like a routine affair. Numerous projects have been completed in the country, and improvements can be seen in roads, water, and electricity, but unemployment and inflation continue to be serious issues that cannot be ignored. Just yesterday, reports emerged that microplastics are present in all branded salt and sugar in India. People who are particular about quality often opt for branded items, yet the adulteration in salt and sugar is a disgrace. Renowned companies commit this sin, constantly compromising people's health. Even though we search for unadulterated products, the harsh reality is that our own people are playing a dangerous game with the health of their fellow citizens. It’s unbearable and unacceptable. Can’t we hope for something good and pure from anyone? Nothing seems to change; new issues overshadow the old ones, and the sad part is that no one finds anything unusual about it. It seems that everyone has grown numb to the point where they can’t even feel if they are alive.
Gujarat’s 1,600-kilometer coastline is a great asset, but it also serves as a gateway for Pakistani activities. During the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai, the mastermind, Kasab, had reached Mumbai via Gujarat's maritime route. Recently, an unattended Pakistani boat was found in the Haraminala creek area of Kutch. Although it only contained fishing equipment, Gujarat's drug problem is no secret. After crores worth of drugs were seized in Saurashtra, 13 crores worth of charas were found off the coast of Valsad and Hazira. Earlier, 5.87 crores worth of charas packets were seized from Udvada, Pardi. Drugs have become a familiar issue in Gujarat, spreading from the coast to the streets.
In May, a fire broke out in Rajkot, Gujarat, exposing nothing but corruption. Chief Fire Officer Elesh Kher was arrested in the TRP scam, and his successor, Anil Maru, seemed to follow the same corrupt path. Despite the devastating fire that claimed 27 lives, these officers were more interested in filling their pockets than ensuring safety. It costs two lakhs to install a fire system and three lakhs to get an NOC (No Objection Certificate). In short, one lakh per signature. Anil Maru, the current in-charge fire officer, has signed over 90 files, showing just how deep the corruption runs.
One individual in Rajkot applied for a fire safety NOC, and Maru demanded three lakhs, of which 1.20 lakhs were paid upfront. When the remaining 1.80 lakhs were due, the applicant contacted the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Jamnagar. Maru was caught in a trap set by the ACB. Despite the arrests of corrupt officials, such blatant extortion continues, showing the shameful state of our free India. Such officials are the result of 78 years of independence.
In the field of education, the Gujarat government has worked hard to close public schools while encouraging private ones and creating hurdles in the recruitment of permanent teachers. Meanwhile, teachers who remain employed exploit the system, drawing salaries while being absent from work. The government admitted that the state is plagued by absentee teachers. Over the past two years, 151 teachers in Gujarat have been absent for more than three months, and 134 teachers have been dismissed. Sixty teachers have gone abroad while still on the payroll. In Surat, three teachers from the committee have been abroad for six months while still receiving their salaries.
It’s hard to understand the purpose of all this. Corruption, forgery, bribery, adulteration, and exploiting the common man have become the hallmarks of our 77 years of independence. Perhaps this is our national character. Is this the legacy of our 200 years of struggle against British rule? The British were not loyal to us, but they never betrayed their own country. And what about us? Did our forefathers fight for this? Did we achieve this after so much sacrifice and martyrdom? Words like “integrity” have become outdated far too quickly. Who really asked for this kind of independence? It makes one want to cry out, asking if there’s anything genuine left in us. It’s a cruel irony that even fake tears come from real eyes.
