Hello friends, Celebrations of India's Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav are about to begin. The journey from the struggle against Viceroy's House to independent India's powerhouse- Rashtrapati Bhavan has been fascinating only. "Jan Gan Man" underlines this with a plethora of challenges India and its people have in its present and future. As we enter into the 75th Year of Independence, let's look at why India as a nation survives and thrives as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic with such diversity. This becomes even more important in three contexts.
First, India's most of the other neighbors who became got independence along with India especially Pakistan has crumbled as a failed state while India continues to be a democracy. Second, Indian independence was a crucial moment for the World. In 1945, World War II ended. The Cold War was about to start. In such a confusing atmosphere, the wave of decolonization began with Indian independence. Third, the current atmosphere of majoritarian populism, religious fundamentalism is giving a sense of turning back the clock from where the seeds of Indian nationalism sprouted.
It was the Indian Renaissance that awakened "Indians as Indians." There can be debate about the concept of India as such existed before the British sword ruled this country. Likes of Raja Rammohan Roy and many others who were products of English education, English ideals of liberty and equality started efforts to reform medieval Indian society bound by chains. Chains of castes, languages, customs, regions, the list goes on. This was complemented by efforts by the British to further colonial interests. The British policies to recruit Indians into colonial bureaucracy created the English-speaking upper-middle class of upper castes. British brought Railways, telegraph into the country which in a way helped to connect remote corners of the subcontinent. On the top, the development of the Indian press, both in English as well as native languages helped to share the ideals of Self Determination of Europe to the hinterland.
Against this backdrop, the Indian political struggle for Independence began. It was spearheaded by Indian National Congress and joined by many others- women, peasants, workers, revolutionaries, tribals, socialists, and social reformers. These efforts made India - a nation in progress. The means were numerous but sharing of ideas, thoughts awakened the country to fight oppressive colonialists.
Gandhian methods of Satyagraha and Ahimsa were notable not only because of their morality but they helped to bring common masses into the national discourse and attempted to build a harmonious society that will strive for Swaraj. The phase lead by Tilak and Gandhi shaped the political culture of post-Independent India. On this backdrop, India as the largest democracy began to shape.
The Constitution of India binds the country into a rule of law. It has established institutions expecting them to carry forward the democratic spirit of our national struggle. The three-tiered elected governments with strong Centre attempt to run the country based on law and the Constitution. This structure provides a space for people to express their demands before legitimate authorities elected by themselves.
This political culture is distinguished for its diversity and general emphasis on cordial, negotiated efforts to put demands forward. Leaving out a few exceptions, people in India will not protest with arms. Thali Bajao Andolan, Dharanas, Gheraos are pretty common. Let's imagine what happens in African countries or other former colonies. Coups, mutinies, and riots- instability. The Indian state is strong-armed with every power to suppress people. However as explained above, it's expected to create a space for active civil society and free press.
Along with that, the philosophical base of the Indian nation is in Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam and Bhakti Sufi traditions. Here the peace and harmony even matter in everyday life while taking a meal, in relations. Quarrels do happen but everybody prioritizes solving them amicably. The numerous divisions disappear at least for a moment when Neeraj Chopra brings Olympic Gold at home.
This unique mixture of traditions with modernity has inspired anti-colonial struggles in Africa. It has produced Non-Alignment Movement when the world was expecting Third World War. The leaps of the Indian economy since reforms have generated the economic well-being of many.
Though India is not a perfect nation or society to compare it with its neighbors, most of the former colonies have been suffered from autocratic, dictatorial regimes after their independence. Indian democracy and its vanguards, the people of India have set an example before such countries.
And then come challenges of our own before becoming more confident on our Vishwaguruness. India is still a caste-ridden society where hierarchy matters against the spirit of equality. As Dr.Babashaeb Ambedkar had said, 'the unity of India will be like summer sampling which will blow away if this caste disease doesn't go away." Patriarchy, Populism, superstitions, hate campaigns against a particular religion, a majoritarian polity, "chalta hai" attitude for traffic rules, corruption is taking a heavy toll on wanna be Ignited Minds of India.
Freedom came with numerous sacrifices. The Constitution came into existence after the huge efforts of the likes of Dr.Ambedkar. To fulfill those dreams, India needs a reimagined politics, a reformed economy,, and a redefined rational society. All these will need a fresh approach to look towards facts and philosophy. It will require an impartial analysis of where do we stand as we sing our beloved national anthem.
Jan Gan Man reminds us what India represents as a nation and what it means to every Indian life. It's an insignia of better opportunities, enriched lives, and spreading love. It's a heart that runs democratic polity. It's in our hands to keep this heart healthy and functional for long life.
Hello friends, as newspaper columns are filling up about the Afghan situation, let's bring it to our attention as well. As we discussed previously, the US has announced its withdrawal. It was clear that US troops will leave Afghan land by September 11, twenty years after 9/11. However, the pullout began early. As the US claims that 90% of its troops have left Afghanistan, the Taliban is claiming to hold 85% of the ground in the graveyard of empires. Let's hope others learn lessons from the USA.
On the 6th of July last month, the headline of all international dailies was the same. "USA has left Bagram airbase in secret!" The very base from where it planned its Afghan adventure. They simply left it without even warning Afghan authorities giving the reason for a possible attack on the base by the Taliban. No wonder it was vandalized later, allegedly by the Taliban to get some weapons. The one thing that is getting clear from events like this is that the Taliban has been gaining significant tangible ground in Afghanistan.
The corollary of this is there is a power vacuum of legitimate force in Afghanistan. The elected government and its leaders are coming under pressure by repeated violence committed by the Taliban. Whether it's Kabul and Kandahar, the Taliban has been increasing its scale and pace of violence.
Now, the question is who is there to fill this vacuum created by early US withdrawal. Internally, the Afghan government has to consider the Taliban as a major power. Otherwise, the Taliban have ever strong reason to overthrow the government. Externally, the US could be only seen as an influencer in Afghanistan for now. So that tool is also not sharp as President Biden is definitely not willing to send boys again in Afghan for now. The only thing the US tangibly can do is actively coordinate various efforts other stakeholders are making.
A strong consensus is emerging for regional solutions and peace in Afghanistan. Major players are Pakistan, Russia, China, Iran, and India. Pakistan has been a half-brother to the USA in its Afghan gamble. As the US leaves, Rawalpindi must be calculating its potential of investments in terms of money and muscle in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban has been a vocal critique of Pakistan. Hence, the Pakistani establishment also needs some handholding.
Two potential hand-holders are Russia and China. China is already concerned about Xinjiang Uyghur connections with the Taliban. It has been engaging with the Taliban for the last few years through channels in Doha. Recently 9 Chinese workers were killed in the Dusa region in Pakistan. China has decided to get directly involved in talks with the Taliban after this. Its position for Taliban is "I will support your house, will not meddle in its affairs, but warning you, if you do something to my house (Xinjiang), it will be not taken lightly."
Chinese neighbor Russian bear is getting concerned about its backyard of Central Asia. Taliban effect could hurt its vital interests especially gas fields in Central Highlands. It's getting involved with other actors in the region. Iran will be happy about US withdrawal as both are right now hard enemies. As it's a Shia country, it's worried about the Taliban's potential Sunni order in Afghanistan.
In this backdrop, India also is facing a conundrum about Afghanistan. It had already closed down the Kandahar consulate in the last month. Salma Dam, a billion-dollar investment of India has also come on the Taliban's radar. As India is entering into direct negotiations with the Taliban, few options New Delhi can consider along with regional powers to solve potential trouble on its northern borders.
There are many Taliban within the Taliban. India has been talking to good Taliban. It has to have to keep in mind the influence others have on the Taliban ladder. Intensive talks might bring some bilateral settlements which would protect investments such as schools, hospitals, etc. Here the idealist posture of not talking to the Taliban because they are fundamentalist and India is secular will not work. India has committed the same mistake earlier and was left out by all powers in the Afghan peace process.
This has to happen along with other regional powers. As the SCO meeting in Dushanbe reflected, Afghanistan is the only menu on the immediate agenda for all central Asian, South Asian, and West Asian especially Iran-like countries. India's External Affairs Minister, Dr.S.Jaishankar had made his Afghan counterpart first, showing India's agenda priorities. The regional solution can be acted upon only variants of strategies of each player are moderated upon. Otherwise, Pakistan will obstruct India in every manner to get involved and many possible scenarios.
Hannah Ardent had said that Power is like acting in concert with others. To set Afghan concerts right, regional powers have to develop a common minimum program for a better future for Afghan people and the region.
The perennial question is, "should India get militarily involved in Afghanistan?" What do you think? Do post in the comment section.
