The Viceroy's House to Rashtrapati Bhavan and Jan Gan Man

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.

Rashtrapati Bhavan: A National Symbol of Independent India

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.

Ram Mohan Roy- The Father of Modern India

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.                                                  

India's first Independence Day
(Source- firstpost)

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.