EVEN AT 64 ARE WE TRULY FREE?

Even At 64 Are We Truly Free ?

At 64th India, is an economic power house, even while other economic giants get waylaid and down graded, India has held it’s fort, Indians obviously with their heads held high are proud of their achievements, Indians have fought good battles, to be where they are today. Looking at the progress made in science and technology and the resources that India has supplied to the world around, our national forefathers, must certainly be happy and content, wherever they are and why not ?

It’s been 64 years of freedom we may have achieved a lot, but in reality are we truly free ? It is most definitely the ability to rise from the ashes, the ability to triumph from weaknesses and failures, it’s the ability to move beyond obstacles, which makes a nation great from the ordinary. Yes, India has risen from the ashes of terrorism, but have we over come terrorism ? yes, India has triumphed despite the ever growing population and the ever growing void between the rich and the poor, but have we managed to curtail the rate of population growth and alleviate poverty ? Yes, Indians have moved beyond, despite the obstacles of caste, creed, religion and region and most of all corruption, but have we curbed these divisive and the corrupt forces ? Can we really say that we are free ?

If the situation is analyzed today, no doubt it will be found that India is worthy of it’s stature as among the top in the world but at the same time if we roll back and think, if India’s population was controlled, if the rift between the rich and poor was reduced considerably and the evils of caste, creed, religion, region and corruption were arrested and nullified, if all Indians had the privilege of quality education ? Can anyone even imagine where India would be ?

It is a pity, that even after all the clamor of economic and technological development and 64 years of freedom, India is yet to free itself from poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption and the divisive ideologies. A health society is the wheel of progress on the National Flag, the wheel that keeps sinking into the ground, with scams a galore, corruption, black money in the Alps, rising poverty and unemployment and ofcourse the divisive forces sitting on the gunpowder keg with a matchstick lit, in their hands. This simmering combo has already shaken the foundations of India but still it looks like lessons are not learnt in earnest. No doubt Freedom is still elusive !

Even as India proclaims to be economically and technologically on par with the best in the world, our selfish and self-centered politicians have drained the states and the nation, of its natural and progressive resources across the length and breadth of India. It’s not just enough to say “mera Bharat mahan hai” while thousands die of lack of food, shelter and clothing, Bharat will only be “mahan” when every person in India will be able to avail quality education, food in their plates, clothes on their back, a roof over their head and decent jobs for all.

To be “mahan”, India will have to get rid of the corrupt, selfish, nepotistic, bigot politicians and elect worthy people who will make us Indians feel proud to be Indians and we should not let the antics of antisocial elements and politicians, divide Indians and be a Nation of Indians rather than a Nation of individuals.

Today on this 64th National Day I hope and pray that all Indians rid themselves of all prejudices, chauvinism and bigotry, do away with corruption and overcome the evils caste, creed, religion, region, poverty, illiteracy and inequality and in unity contribute to the moving wheels of progress of India and show the world that we are indeed proud to be Indians. Jai Hind ! Happy Independence Day to all

Freddy Agnelo Fernandes.

INDIA'S LOSS IN CRICKET IN ENGLAND.

A thousand congratulations to England for majestically winning the third test against India and thereby winning the series and topping its rating as the world best cricket team. By winning the third test England not only defeated India but massacred India into pieces. India failed in all departments of the game especially in showing any enthusiasm to play well. Just because India won the pigmy type of cricket in World Cup that does not mean they can take test cricket for granted. Dhoni as a captain did not show any sign of motivating factor for his colleagues, he looked taking things lightly.

England on the other hand played very seriously not taking any chances. They had better team in all departments and by seeing them playing so magnificently, I think currently they are unbeatable by any team in the world, at least they are unbeatable by India though India did its best to do well. In view of this, by being impartial we must give full credit to England because they are a superior side and superior side must win. Those who are accusing India for losing so miserably must change their stand and accept the defeat gracefully by giving full marks to England.

After the 1970 World Cup soccer final in Mexico between Pele’s Brazil and Italy, the unbeatable Brazil defeated the mighty Italy by a margin of 4 – 1 goals. It was a big margin and very colossal defeat to the colossal team Italy. It was a big score normally unknown in the final of World Cup but it happened because Brazil in that World Cup had players of extremely superlative quality. That was the team of the century; such a team was never seen before and as per soccer pundits unlikely to be seen in future either. Can we get another Pele again? Can we get again Rivelino, Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao, Clodoaldo, Carlos Alberto and others?

When Italian team returned back to Italy they thought they will receive a very hostile welcome to them but to their surprise they were welcomed everywhere with banners saying “welcome our heroes, you are the world champions”. Meaning of world champion means, minus Brazil, you are the world champions because Brazil is unbeatable by any team in the world.

Similarly, we must accept the fact that currently England cricket team is unbeatable not only by India but for that matter by any team in the world. Hence, they deserve to massacre India and just India is massacred that does not mean India is nothing. India is something but England is more than something. At this hour we must be bold enough to accept the greatness of England, we must be bold enough to give due credit for the excellent show they displayed where India played like Lambs against the Lions. That was India’s capacity. Do not expect from India more than what they did. Indians were no match against all powerful England.

Many Indians are very much hurt because of this unavoidable defeat. I hope all Indians will take this defeat sportingly and welcome home our cricketers as heroes only like what Italians did for its defeated soccer team in 1970. I hope no one will destroy Dhoni’s house or properties of other players who played in England for defeated India.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.