Republic Day: A Retrospection

Hello friends, I wish a very happy Republic Day to my all fellow Indians. On this day, on 26th January, 1950, our country became a Republic by adopting her own constitution. Our constitution is a written one, the entire set of rules and laws relying on which, the entire country is governed. We did get independence three years prior to this,that is 15th August 1947 but became self dependent in real sense on this day, just like a three year old toddler starts eating, walking or talking on it’s own confidently.

India, has come a long way in establishing herself as a robust democracy and self reliant economy. She has also acquired the capabilities to defend her borders and internal disturbances with her strategically strong army, efficient intelligence agencies and vigilant police. Last year for once, she looked faltering when there was shortage of vaccine and the deadly second wave was raging like a wildfire. But eventually the Central Government had tied its loosened strings faster and situation was brought under control sooner rather than later.

If we care to retrospect, then will find that upto 1000 AD, India was considered a golden bird for her immense wealth and prosperity. Allured by it, Mahmud of Ghazni( Central Asia) attacked her 17 times, in a span of 26 years and plundered her riches as much as his blind greed could allow. The seeds of disunity among Indian states had started showing consequences. In 1192, Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chouhan despite getting squarely thrashed by the latter in first battle of Terrain, just one year before. If Ghori wasn’t given a reprieve from Prithviraj and allowed him to regroup and attack again, the foreign invaders wouldn’t have got the opportunity to enhace their foothold. For that matter, if other regional kings stood united with him to fighr the external enemy, our history might not have been the same.

The defeat marked the advent of the foreign rule, starting from the Deihi Sultanet, Mughal dynasty and then the British rule India was descending to newer bottoms during this roughly thousand years of medieval to modern times ( 1129 – 1947 ). It was into the oblivion and misery of poverty, superstition, untouchabilty and lack of modern education. During the early colonial rule (1764 -1947)Indians almost forgot that they were ever going to be independent again, apparently resigning to their fate of overlordship and exploitation. The occurrence of severe famines and apathy of imperial rulers brought further despondency.

The drain of wealth, destruction of local industries by flooding the market with foreign made cheap industrial goods by the British rulers were rampant.This latent seething anger and dissatisfaction gave rise to our freedom movement. We can say our path to redeeming our lost self worth actually began when the fire of independence kindled in every Indian heart. ‘Purna Swaraj’ first proposed in 1929 in Lahore session of Indian National Congress, at last became a reality in 15th August 1947. A fairly long protracted struggle for independence was fought. In the mass movement thousands sacrificed their life and bore undescribable torture and jail terms. More they were repressed by imperial rulers, more people resurrected to take them on.

As an ode to the young freedom fighter of Indian freedom movement, the Urdu poet Bismill Azimabadi has composed – “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil me hai, dekhna hai jor kitna baju – e – quatil me hai“. It means our hearts are ready to sacrifice ourselves, let’s see how powerful our oppresser are!

Friends, we should not forget how premium our independence is! Let’s all strive to steer our beloved country towards the path of further progress nd prosperity. We can do that by persuing whichever profession we are, with sincerity and integrity. If we put in a little extra effort to uplift the downtrodden around us, the society will get enriched and more vibrant. On this happy occasion of Republic Day let’s all come together to live in harmony within and outside.

Stay happy and safe.

Adieu for now.