Dear India,
26 January is a very auspicious day for every Indian citizen. It is the day our country became a Republic. As we mark India's 69th Republic Day, I would like to thank our forefathers for the sacrifices they made to free India.
India, you have so many things to boast about. Being a superpower. Being the largest democracy in the world. Housing many religions. and maintaining friendly relationships with other nations. And of course, India has one of the finest cricket teams in the world. The big fat Indian weddings are known all over the world. We celebrate all festivals that our beautiful country has to offer.
I am so blessed to be a part of a nation which is so diverse in nature. No matter how many different languages we speak or how many different cultures we follow, when it comes to India, we are one.
An important aspect, I feel, that unites the whole of India is music, film and culture.
The feeling of oneness is the most evident if you ever visit the Wagah Border. It’s amazing when the soldiers conduct their ceremonial march and the whole crowd comes alive and the feeling of patriotism fills the air.
After seeing so much love, why do we lack compassion. Why do we treat our brothers and sisters from north-east India differently and call them funny names? Just because they look different or follow a different culture? Not just the north-east but even people from the south. We love to stereotype each and everyone.
And if someone does not follow the norm or the adhered path, we love to tag them as anti-nationals. Why? Why do we use this term so loosely? We need to change our mindset and accept everyone. Please India, let’s end this discrimination on the basis of caste, creed and religion.
Many years ago, India was united in the fervour of sufi and bhakti movements. Beautiful songs, dohas and a treasure trove of poetry emerged out of these movements, where there was a vision of India as one. These movements were introduced to bring in peace and harmony in the society. But unfortunately, recent developments have shown us in poor light. We as a nation have become highly intolerant and prejudiced towards others.
The only way India can progress if we try to put an end to caste system. Caste system is like termites that’s eating into our society.
Well, I know there are many other concerns our country is facing, and one of them is the restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, and the freedom of press. Even though our constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, right now, the restrictions have become highly unreasonable.
I really wish that India becomes a country of happy people. Let’s all fight together and not against each other and make our country stronger.
Jai Hind!
Love,
Shaziq Sankalan
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)