Reflections of Readers of The Indian Panorama on India’s 72nd Independence Day
@theindpanorama
After 71 years of independence, India is a highly developed country with developing country problems
Dr. VK Raju, Eye Foundation of America
Dr. V.K. Raju
Barbara Wootten, one of the greatest champions of higher education for women died at the age of ninety-one. Her autobiography, entitled” In a World I never made” is a fascinating book. She observed “the laughable idealism of one generation evolves into the accepted common place of the next.” She lived to see the truth of her dictum proved right time and again, particularly in the field of female education.
When Lee Kuan Yew was asked on the BBC as to what attributed the phenomenal success of Singapore, his answer was “education”.
Education has been (correctly) defined as the technique of transmitting civilization. It is unfortunate that the country with the oldest and greatest civilization should be lackadaisical about the technique of transmitting. Education has never been a high priority item in any Indian political party’s manifesto though there were some changes in the recent years. But still there are enormous gaps between the promises and execution.
It is only through female education at all levels and the private initiative of well educated women, that India will be of our dreams and will ever be transformed into what our constitution intended it to be. The criminalization of politics and the deplorably low moral tone of our public life may be the direct consequences of the failure to impart value-based education. India ranks very high in innate intelligence, but low in wisdom. (what the ancient Rishis called “Buddhi”). Today India has islands of excellence in a sea of mediocracy or even worse.
May I end by saying that I am an eternal optimist, but when I learn that of the girls under five years: 48% are stunted, 19% are wasted, 70% are anemic (moderate progress was made during the last few years), how can they learn? This is totally unacceptable in a country that sent a mission to Mars in the first attempt. And any country that ignores almost half of its population will fail to reach its true place in the modern world
Finally, to quote Nani Palkhivala “To my Countrymen”:
-who gave unto themselves the constitution but not the ability to keep it.
-who inherited resplendent heritage but not the wisdom to cherish it
-who suffer and endure in patience without the perception of their potential.
We need only one change: the MINDSET!
India has abundant natural resources and all the man-power she needs. Then what is the problem? Real problem? In India, power is in one group and knowledge is in another group.
Dr. V.K. Raju, M.D., F.R.C.S, F.A.C.S.
Founder & President, Eye Foundation of America,
Morgantown, WV
vkrajumd@gmail.com
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A Mixed Bag for India in 72 Years
Actively involved in various organizations, including Rajasthan Association of North America, Jain Center of America, Vegetarian Vision, Indian Association of Long Island
Anu Jain
India completes 72 years of independence on August 15, 2018. But when we look back on what we have achieved or lost in these years, it is difficult to point out a single achievement or failure. There are countless achievements in many different fields, whether it’s science, technology, medicine, society, or culture, our country has witnessed a tremendous transformation and progress.
One of our biggest achievements is our progress in technology. Today economic growth in the last twenty-five years has made India a super power. Information Technology being at the heart of our education system has created large pool of global entrepreneurs. India will soon become a technological and economic powerhouse for the world with a billion people achieving an improved standard in day to day life.
But still in certain areas there is no change, for example; religious diversity has been a defining characteristic of India’s population for centuries. Religion continues to play a central role in India in daily life through its temple ceremonies, festivals, pilgrimages, and family religious traditions among others. Religion is taken far more seriously in India than it often is in the West and by virtually the entire population across India.
Another popular link is the ideas of songs and dances in Indian movies, people enjoyed then also, and they are still enjoying. Mostly there are no movies without songs and dance
Our biggest failure is corruption because this is one thing, which has caused maximum damage to our country. We could have done much better if our political system had not been as corrupt as it is today. Another concern or failure is the growing gap between the rich and poor which has not been reduced.
If India has to progress, deliver inclusive growth and lift many more millions out of poverty, the government needs to prioritize on a comprehensive educational policy and healthcare system to fast track the country’s growth. The nation suffers from inadequate infrastructure and deep skills deficit. Without jobs the demographic dividend of youthful population can turn into a massive social and economic problem. India doesn’t need nationalistic rhetoric and mere promises of prosperity. It needs real and faster development and a society that’s just, peaceful and equal, which the country’s leaders had promised at the time of independence. Otherwise, despite the boom years, India will continue to remain a struggling country.
Anu Jain
New York
Jainanu2005@gmail.com
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India’s greatness lies in its respect for diversity
Zafar Iqbal, Ph. D
On this auspicious day of 15th August, when we are celebrating the independence of India from British occupiers, let us also remember the sacrifices of Azadi movement heroes. The Ghadar Movement was an important episode in India’s freedom struggle. A group of a few dedicated people comprising of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other communities started the Ghadar Party and launched the movement. Most of them were hanged publicly by the British government. The movement gained strength and thousands of freedom fighters were subjected to capital punishment for their participation in the movement. Let us also not forget the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Subash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, Rajendra Prasad, and many others who piloted post-independence India to an established democracy. Let us vow to maintain the secular nature of the constitution where people of all faith, caste, and color have equal rights. India is the largest democracy in the world and we need to work hard to become a world-leading democracy. Let us hope appropriate steps are taken to maintaining an independent judiciary, participation of all communities in sharing the power, and freedom of the press with an expectation that they would fulfill their role of a watchdog.
Jai Hind, Hindustan Zindabad.
Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D., Washington, DC
Raabta.india@gmail.com
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India’s Unity in Diversity
Gunjan Rastogi
I am extremely proud of collaboration among the community organizations and believe it is a testament to the national pride we all feel for India. It is only fitting that we all unite to celebrate our beloved country’s 72nd Independence Day. We need to recognize esteemed Indians of four major religions (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian) and other community leaders from other regions of India with the main goal of bringing the community together. As we all know, India is a beautiful mosaic of different regions which have different languages, dressing style, dance, music, regional festivals, customs and traditions, yet we all are united to celebrate our national holiday and show unity in diversity.”
Mrs. Gunjan Rastogi
President
India Association of Long Island, New York
Gunjan.p.rastogi@gmail.com
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India needs to unite to exploit its full potential
Ven Parameswaran
I am very proud of India for many reasons. India was the most civilized and affluent country in the world. Mohan Jo Daro civilization demonstrates this. India invented zero, fraction, decimal algebra and geometry including the theorem that was renamed as Pythagoras theorem by Greece. Kautilya’s Arthasastra was the first book on Political Science. Aristotle and Machiavelli published their books based on Arthasastra. I am proud the largest capitalized corporations — Microsoft and Google are headed by Indians. I am proud the Dean of Harvard Business School is an Indian. I am proud Ireland and Portugal are headed by Indians. I am also proud America elected two Indian American Governors. India needs to unite to exploit its full potential.
Ven Parameswaran
Chairman, Asian American Republican Committee, Scarsdale, New York
Former President & CEO, First Asian Securities, New York
vpwaren@gmail.com
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Stay vigilant and never take freedom for granted
Priya Mukhi
August 15th represents a plethora of positive and joyous feelings of pride for all Indians, as it represents the date that more than 200 years of British colonial rule came to an end. Since that day in 1947, Indians around the world gather each year to celebrate and honor the freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to the independence of this great, beautiful nation.
The Indian Independence Day is a meaningful event for everyone, an opportunity for people of all ages and from all different parts of India to unite and celebrate the diversity and strength of our nation. The holiday gives younger ones the chance to learn more about their culture and connect in various ways with the earlier generations. In my personal experience, I have learned how much my grandparents and their parents coped and survived living under the rule of a foreign power. I have come to appreciate even more the benefits of living in a free country. Everyone who has endured the hardships and seen or heard about the independence struggles has a story, and I encourage everyone to listen and pass these stories down. These memories of suffering and privation should not be forgotten, as history teaches us integral lessons, such as a nation must stay united to retain its strength, as divided we fall.
Independence Day is celebrated in various ways across the globe. In India, there are numerous flag hoisting and patriotic presentations throughout different states, and the main event takes place at the Red Fort in New Delhi where India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, unfurled the Indian flag to officially mark the nation’s independence. Every year since then on Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the beautiful tricolor flag and presents a speech on the history and progress of the country. In other parts of the globe, parades, flag hoisting events, and kite flying festivals are held to celebrate the holiday.
On this festive occasion, the freedom fighters are also honored. Leaders such as Sarojini Naidu, Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Prasad, the Rani of Jhansi and many more are remembered and celebrated for their efforts to bring peace and sovereignty to India. Arya Samaj leaders such as Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami Shraddhanand, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bhagat Singh also took part in the great struggle for India’s freedom. In fact, Swami Dayanand wrote one of the most influential works of the movement, Satyarth Prakash.
In midst of celebration for this joyous holiday, it is important not to forget the significance and message of the freedom movement that took place over 71 years ago. We must look forward, stay vigilant, and never take freedom for granted. As Pandit Nehru said just before midnight on August 15th, 1947, “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.” And surely, as freedom rung, and the nation progressed, India has become a power to be reckoned with on the world stage.
Priya Mukhi
Youth Leader of Arya Samaj of Long Island, New York
aryasamajoflongisland@yahoo.com
Time for India and Pakistan to move forward
Tajuddin Ahmad
Let forget all differences of the past and resolved all issues on table, as new elected government coming into effect led by former cricketer Imran Khan as new Prime Minister taking oath on August 18th, 2018 in the capital Islamabad. Both leaders Modi and Imran are known by both nations for years and it’s time now to move forward and bring peace in the regions.
Tajuddin Ahmad
tajahmad717@yahoo.com
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Let us work together for a progressive and clean India
Indu Jaiswal
On August 15 Indians will celebrate its 72 ND Independence Day. We remember and Salute the people who fought for the freedom of India. We feel the pride that we are from such a glorious Land. With Freedom in the mind, faith in the words, pride in our souls, let us all salute the Nation on Independence Day. May the nation’s Tricolor always fly high and wishing our dreams of anew tomorrow, Progressive and Clean India come true for us. Happy Independence Day
Naye Daur mein Likhenge Mil Kar Nai kahani
HUM HINDUSTANI HUM HINDUSTANI
JAI HIND and VANDE MATRAM
Indu Jaiswal RDN CDN
Chair Indian American Forum
New York
indu@jaiswal.net
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Nothing stops India from becoming a golden sparrow again
Rajiv Khanna
India has made progress since independence. Yet its potential is largely unexploited. If only India moved from its 100th position on ease of doing business to the top 20, it would open floodgates of investment and prosperity. Nothing stops India to be the golden sparrow again, expect India itself. It is time to correct this grave injustice that the Indian bureaucracy inflicts on India!
Rajiv Khanna
New York
rkhannany@gmail.com
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Observance of 71st Anniversary of India’s Independence
Ashook Ramsaran
The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) and its global affiliates, on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of India’s independence, extend warm and special congratulations to people of India and Indians living in other countries who take much pride in this annual celebration.
Indians sacrificed for many years with struggle and lives in attaining their hard-fought and wrenching freedom from Britain on 15th August 1947. They used various independence movements, in particular, nonviolent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, to become free and independent. The partition with Pakistan resulted in violent riots, mass casualties and dislocation of millions of people.
Despite many initial difficulties, India has made enormous strides and progress since independence from dependency to becoming a major entity in the global arena.
A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life – Mahatma Gandhi
We end today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future? – Jawaharlal Nehru
“Freedom is not given; it is taken” – Subhas Chandra Bose
“India’s stature in the world is rising. Our India is at the door of great achievements. New India must include that integral humanist component that is in our DNA, and which has defined our country and our civilization. New India must be a society rushing towards the future, but also a compassionate society. Gone are the days when people gave up all hope from the government”, Hon. PM Narendra Modi ‘2017.
Ashook Ramsaran
New York
ashookramsaran@gmail.com
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Remember those who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom
Gobind Bathija
On the 72nd celebration of India Independence Day, on behalf of our Asamai Hindu temple and myself, I want to extend my sincere best wishes to our community as well Mr. Indrajit Saluja and The Indian Panorama Newspaper. We must remember those who sacrificed their lives to obtain independence. May India always enjoy freedom and continue to flourish and prosper.
Gobind Bathija
Founder, P. President, trustee and Board mem
Asamai Hindu Temple, Flushing and Hicksville, NY USA
Gobind.bathija@gmail.com
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72 Years of Independence has bought India to where it is today
Devraj Aiyar
As much as we ought to be proud, lets us not take our Freedom and Independence for granted. Many have sacrificed their breath for this to happen. We must celebrate this true spirit of Freedom by giving back to society as much as we could.
India is a country of rich diversity in culture, religion, arts and every field we can think of.
As we rally together, behind our great leader Narendra Modi, we pray that the next decade will witness the India that we dream of. India whose richness will filter down to every single state, every city, every home.
I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Chief editor of Indian Panorama, Prof Indrajit Saluja and his entire team for their outstanding effort in bringing the Indian community closer.
Devraj Aiyar
CEO, Indo American Quartz LLC
New Jersey
dev@indoameriacanstone.com
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Indian Diaspora has contributed much to India’s growth
Paul Sihota
It was a Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa who led the movement for India’s independence. It was a whole lot of Indians abroad who struggled and suffered for India’s freedom from British rule. In independent India’s history, again, it is the Indians abroad who have contributed significantly to India’s growth. It is not just the remittances and investments; they introduced a culture which led to India’s modernization characterized by a scientific temper which changed the face of India. I am glad, India has recognized the contribution of Indian Diaspora. However, much more needs to be done by government of India to attract their fullest cooperation. One, for example, is a right to them to contest elections to legislative bodies and get involved in governance of India. I hope, this demand from the Indian Diaspora will be met soon.
