Recently, the Government of India unveiled the symbol for the
Indian Rupee and the Rupee has become one of the few currencies along with the
Dollar, Pound, Euro and Yen to have a unique symbol. The symbol will distinguish
the Indian Rupee from that of other countries which have rupee or rupiah as
their currency. Amidst all the euphoria surrounding the new symbol, it should be
remembered that just a symbol for the currency will not have an economic impact
or the country will not overnight become an economic giant in the world. At the
same time it is true that today, India has come a long way since it faced the
balance of payments crisis in 1990-91. There is a greater confidence in the
Indian Rupee than at any time in the recent history. The symbol for the Rupee is
a reminder that we must work harder and in a disciplined manner to make India
economically a strong nation, a country that the world will look up to. It is
then that the symbol will have real significance in the financial world.
In the last few years India has made its mark in the service
sector, it has also become a hub for manufacturing many items. We are poised to
go up the value chain. At the same time we are one of the most corrupt countries
in the world, evasion of taxes is rampant, efficiency of our labour in many
fields is still abysmally low as compared to many developed nations, and many
citizens take pride in not working to their full capacity. Disputes amongst
states over borders and sharing of river waters raise their head with
regularity. There is a vast difference in economic development of various
regions. The divide between rural Bharat and urban India is a cause for concern.
On the social front, the country is divided on the basis of religion and caste.
Yet, today we have a chance; a chance to develop at a faster
pace and catch up with the developed economies of the world. But this will need
efforts and determination to work together. On this background, symbols like
that of the Indian currency, the Ashoka pillar, the national flag or the
national anthem invoke national pride and the awareness that India is one great
nation and all Indians are an integral part of it beyond religion, caste, creed,
community or the state that they belong to. Today, when the national anthem is
played in theatres, everyone, without exception, stands up in respect; many in
soft voice sing along. This may appear insignificant at first sight, but such
small acts have great potential in nurturing national pride, unifying Indians
and ushering unity in diversity. Efforts towards making each Indian a proud
citizen must begin right from childhood — in schools, homes and everywhere. If
national pride stems from within each citizen, it will be easier to tackle many
chronic problems such as corruption, anarchy in the legal system and communal
disharmony. Convergence of individual and national goals would lead to a strong
India.
While talking about national pride, one is painfully and
constantly reminded of peoples’ representatives, members of legislatures
behaving irresponsibly, creating a ruckus and destroying national property. MLAs,
MLCs and at times even MPs show scant respect to parliamentary democracy. The
recent free for all in the Bihar Assembly was not an exception. Microphones were
dismantled; chairs, desks and even footwear were hurled freely. A lady MLC
belonging to a national political party was seen on television throwing flower
pots around as if it was a discus throw competition. It is hard to believe that
these are the persons who make laws for us ! Marshals and security guards had to
be called in to evict these unruly MLAs. Some MLAs could be seen smiling as they
were being whisked away. Possibly, they were proud of what they had done or were
enjoying and basking in the attention that they were receiving. Several MLAs
were suspended for the rest of the assembly session. Some have submitted
resignations as MLAs to their party chief, which predictably will not be
accepted. All this was widely publicised in electronic and print media. The
world will have also watched all this drama with a chuckle.
Such incidences surely do not augur well for the national
pride. Every proud citizen of India feels sad and ashamed at such behaviour of
our representatives. Can there not be a more dignified way of protest ? Is it
not possible to make a point and still maintain the decorum ? Can any
provocation be a justification for such behaviour ? Is there no accountability ?
Who will pay for the damage to the state property ? We have rules of discipline
in schools, colleges and offices and these are by and large implemented.
Legislatures also have rules, yet one regularly sees events like this. Are
politicians above law ? Perhaps politicians in general and peoples’
representatives in particular need regular orientation and refresher courses on
acceptable conduct in the assembly and outside.
Incidences like this hurt our national pride. Do we deserve
such persons to be our representatives ? Are citizens not exercising their
franchise to vote correctly during elections or not exercising it at all and
hence we get this ? We need to think of solution to this on the eve of
Independence Day.
I wish you all a very Happy Independence Day. Let us be proud
Indians and work for a strong and vibrant India.
