Marking India’s independence
This is an edited version of the speech by Dr Shashank Vikram, Consul-General of India in Durban, on the occasion of India’s 68th Republic Day celebration on Thursday
JANUARY 26 holds an everlasting place in our national memory because it is the day when modern India was born from the womb of the most ancient living civilisation in the history of mankind.
Becoming a republic was not a novelty for this land for it had seen republics before that concept became a popular choice of how nation states should be governed. Even before the times of Bhagwan Buddha, Northern India had had 16 republics or mahajana-padas. This was 600 BC, some 2600 years ago.
So novelty it was not, but rejuvenation it was. Political rejuvenation of an ancient land and its transformation into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic with resolve to secure to all its citizens: justice, social, economic and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all, fraternity, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.
On this auspicious day in 1950, we adopted our charter of modernity, the constitution. It was not only the world’s largest written constitution but was also one of the most comprehensive ones, and one hich has stood the test of time as the leading light for a nation of over 1.3 billion people for almost 70 years and counting.
One of the most daring promises which the nascent republic promised to its citizens was that of universal adult franchise. This was unprecedented; never before in the history of India did the voice of every man, right down to the one standing on the last pedestal of the social and economic ladder, receive such an audience. Now all had a say on who would lead them and how she or he would lead.
This single step, in my view, was the strongest towards realising Gandhi’s dream of a modern and progressive India. Gandhi’s talisman for the country’s rulers was simple and powerful, and I quote: “Whenever you are in doubt... recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself... will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?”
Independence of India was the dawn of a new future and the realisation of the dreams of countless freedom fighters and common Indians, but it came with its own challenges. From a population of 360 million in 1951, we are now a 1.3 billion-strong nation. Our per capita income has shown a 10fold increase, the poverty ratio has declined by two-thirds, average life expectancy has more than doubled, and the literacy rate has shown a fourfold increase. We are today the fastest-growing amongst the major economies of the world. We are the second largest reservoir of scientific and technical manpower, the third largest army, the sixth member of the nuclear club, the sixth member in the race for space, and the 10th largest industrial power. From a net food grains importing country, India is now a leading exporter of food commodities. During this period Indian economy, in absolute terms, has expanded to Rs 57 lakh crore (Rs.57 trillion, or R11 trillion) from mere Rs 2.7 lakh crore (Rs.2.7 trillion) and the nation’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed US$368bn from $2bn, giving the economy the fire-power to fight external shocks.
As we strive on our path towards achieving progress and prosperity for our people, I am reminded of the advice given by Benjamin Franklin: “The constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”
India’s links with South Africa date back to the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi who started his Satyagraha movement in South Africa over a century ago. India was at the forefront of the international community in its support to the anti-apartheid movement; it was the first country to sever trade relations with the apartheid government in 1946 and subsequently imposed a complete – diplomatic, commercial, cultural and sports – embargo on South Africa. The African National Congress maintained a representative office in New Delhi from 1960s onwards. In the struggle against apartheid, Indians stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their African brethren and underwent great hardships. Today, I am happy to see a significant number of Indian religious, cultural and business organisations indulging in philanthropic activities. This is the spirit of ubuntu that we have come to admire in this rainbow nation and this spirit of oneness must be kept alive.
The Indian diaspora constitutes a significant economic, social and cultural force in the world today. An estimated 31.2 million Indians are spread across the world. Their industry, enterprise, education, expertise and economic success are widely recognised.
Indian Diaspora
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra or Overseas Indian Centre in New Delhi on October 2 last year and dedicated it to the Indian diaspora. The Kendra has been established to commemorate the trials and tribulations, as well as the subsequent evolution and achievements of the diverse Indian diaspora. The Kendra will serve as the focal point of the institutional framework to benefit from networks with and among overseas Indians. One of the important components of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra is a Diaspora Museum, to highlight the experience of overseas Indians in diverse parts of the globe. The museum contain artefacts, documents and photographs, etc. relevant to the diaspora.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Overseas Indians Day, a biennial event, is held in India on January 9 to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi as the greatest Pravasi from South Africa to India.
The convention is an important platform for engagement between the central and state governments with the Overseas Indian Community.
The 14th edition of the three-day event was held in Bengaluru, the country’s IT hub, from January 7 to 9 this year. The spotlight is on the role of youth in transforming the society and India’s potential to play the role of a “Vishwa Guru” again.