The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Promises to keep

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Saturday, Aug 18, 2007
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Promises to keep

The editorial “Promises to keep” (Aug. 16) is excellent and thought-provoking. The growth of India as a vibrant and emerging world power in 60 years is indeed spectacular. But it is also true that we have to travel a long and arduous distance before we achieve our goals of eradicating poverty, hunger, and unemployment. Dr. Singh’s optimism that we will make India a nation of educated, creative, and skilled people in a decade of hard work is indeed laudable. Let us all believe that the best is yet to come.

T.V. Ramamurthy,

Chennai

We have, indeed, come a long way. And besides moving steadily into the league of developed nations, we have also stayed rooted to our culture and ethos. What we need to remember and acknowledge is that the real heroes behind our progress are the masses.

Their collective contribution is, I am sure, more than that of policymakers. It is especially evident in times of crisis when their humanitarian spirit and resilience in managing and successfully overcoming disasters and calamities are palpable. The government should salute its people and ensure that its promises benefit those at the grassroots.

Vani Venkat,

Lucknow

* * *

Winston Churchill, known for his knowledge of history, predicted that India would fall back quite rapidly if it was given independence. He has been decisively proved wrong. The Prime Minister has sent an unambiguous message from the historic Red Fort that India is getting younger.

From being a functioning anarchy, India is moving rapidly towards becoming a modern, transparent, and accountable democracy with focus on inclusive growth. Becoming a superpower is no longer just a dream.

Krutarth Amish Vasavada,

Secunderabad

* * *

Undoubtedly, there has been tremendous progress with the graph soaring high in areas such as communication and technology. But the graph on discipline, decorum, and decency in public life has nosedived over the years, which is a reflection of the deterioration of human values.

Hunger has not been eliminated, farmers continue to commit suicide, crimes against women are on the rise, and terrorism is spreading its tentacles. Hopefully, by the time we celebrate 75 years of Independence, the country will be free from hunger and poverty.

V. Rajagopal,

Tirupati

* * *

It is an irony that after self-rule of 60 years, the average lifespan of Indians, we are told that the best is yet to come. More than poverty, what pains the people is the gross indifference and insensitivity of the ruling classes and politicians to their needs. Governance does not end with rhetoric on occasions. We need strong political will and determination to achieve sustainable development.

M.J. Ruben,

Chennai

* * *

Despite being the world’s largest democracy, what we see is an ineffective state apparatus, besides an indifferent bureaucracy, rampant corruption and marginalisation of the minorities. As the number of Indians in the Forbes billionaires list increases, we are also witness to the grim reality of farmers’ suicides in different parts of the country.

In the 60th year, we should develop a strong sense of national purpose that involves respect for constitutionalism, tolerance of dissent, and cleaner politics.

T. Marx,

Karaikal

* * *

Speeches by Prime Ministers on I-Day contain the same three points: India has made tremendous progress in all spheres though there are challenges ahead; the government is launching new schemes to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, increase rural employment and agricultural production; and we are determined to fight terrorism and communalism at any cost. Dr. Singh’s address was only a repetition.

T. Anand,

Chennai

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Promises to keep