70 YEARS ON, CHANGE POLITICAL SENSIBILITIES
This Independence Day, let us pray and wish for that a different sensibility takes root in Indian politics where there is grace in listening to genuine constructive criticism. Will we ever have space for a collective voice cutting across party lines? Will leaders have the courage to appreciate good work, no matter from which party. Conversely, can a free and fair criticism of sloth and laziness, even of leaders within the same party? Why should leaders, who rule our lives in so many myriad ways, they thrive on mocking each other, instead of adopting a different political culture. Will we even have freedom from the present arcane political sensibilities? Rani Balbir Kaur
II
The 71st Independence Day is an occasion to rejoice, but there is a big question mark on the standing that the country has attained in the world? We have progressed a lot, but are still behind the rest of the world on many issues. Overpopulation drags us back on many achievement parameters. Mouli Sharma, Amritsar
III
The Wagah border is known for the surcharged atmosphere at the Beating Retreat ceremony. Yet, it is unfathomable that who will gain from increasing the height of flags hoisted on both sides of the zero line? It is misplaced adventurism. The border drill should be aimed at creating goodwill on both sides, and not for jingoism. Niranjan Walia, Jalandhar
IV
When will things actually change in our country is anybody’s guess? Independence Day does make us emotional, but solid, planned action will really make us proud. Now, after 70 years, we find that even a place like Chandigarh is not safe. Kajol Suri
V
While we should be grateful to our leaders and the common people for their sacrifices, freedom must not give us the license to take to violence over petty issues. At 70, India is a nation of the young. The young should channelize their energies in a positive direction to achieve their cherished goals and be the pride of the nation.
Usha Verma, Chandigarh
VI
In his Independence Day address, PM Narendra Modi has stated that his government will work to herald peace in Kashmir not be invective or the bullet but by embracing Kashmiris. It is hoped that he has a green light from his party and the ideological mentors for this adventure. If Modi succeeds in dealing with this seemingly multilayered emotive issue, he will be our real hero.
Tarsem Singh, Mahilpur
VII
On Independence Day, it’s a ritual for governments to highlight the nation’s economic progress. One would like to believe the powers-that-be that the country has taken major economic strides and that the establishment’s pro-poor schemes are successful. However, a daily wager now earns between Rs 300 and 350. Is this enough to sustain a family and educate his children? A convincing proof of progress will be when the daily wager gets his minimum wages, has a roof over his head, and his children go to a good school. Col RD Singh (retd), Ambala Cantt