This refers to the editorial, “let’s transform India” (August 16). It is the duty of a democratically-elected Government is to catalyse good governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has echoed the values and spirit of the same.
But the problem is that he talks about the ideal practice of democracy, but some of his party’s workers and leaders as well as some member of its parent organisation often act differently. When this world is no safer due to terrorism and fundamentalism, India’s spirit of tolerance, non-violence and hospitality is interrupted by hyper-nationalism.
Dalits and minorities are seemingly traumatised, faiths are dictated and practices dominated. Even the privacy of the common people is under surveillance. India’s reputation is being tarnished.
Education, free speech and rational thought bring reform and development. But when holy water from Ganges is sold through post-offices or political leaders run to to astrologers, the Prime Minister’s argument for reform seems meaningless.
To bring Prime Minister's promise into reality, the politics of religion and caste should be stopped first. Secularism and pluralism are the only ways to a safe and dignified future. Education, development and people’s empowerment should be the priority, not rejuvenating the past. Establishing the rule of law is also urgently needed.