India – Freedom Struggle and Journey to Independence

August 21, 2013

By Padmini Arhant

Swatantrata Diwas Ki Shubh Kamnaye! (Happy Independence Day!) To people in Bharat.

India’s independence Day is observed on August 15 marking the annual event as Remembrance Day in patriots and great leaders honor for their sacrifices to liberate the nation from almost three and a half centuries old colonialism.

East India Company consisting European traders arrived in India in 1606 and subsequent colonization of Indian sub-continent resulted in slavery, illiteracy, poverty and disease due to worst economic and social conditions with colonizers appointment of personnel imported from their country of origin to replace local work force and allocating tasks that were considered menial or less important by them to domestic labor market.

British imperialism deploying divide and conquer strategy prevalent until today targeted cultural heritage and communal harmony in asserting supremacy on the land of mysticism where religion originated with Hinduism from which emanated other faiths viz. Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism constituting secularism alongside accepting different religious denominations such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism spread through proselytism and the remaining like Zoroastrianism via migration.

The freedom struggle was the test of time with colonial power unrelenting to peaceful resistance and non-violence movement led by pioneer of peace Mahatma Gandhi along with many notable statesmen and women.

Most importantly ordinary citizens from all walks of life rising to the occasion to free the country long enslaved and deprived of dignity ended authoritarianism.

However, British Raj having depleted India of its resources and invaluable possessions upon departure embarked on balkanization leaving millions dead and scores rendered refugees with creation of Pakistan.

With partition as parting gift, the British empire diligently sowed the seeds of rivalry between the two neighbors that continues to be exploited in the present for hegemonic goals exacerbating people suffering on both sides in the instigated violence.

British monarchy declared India as dominion republic under British Commonwealth of governments essentially denying recognition of sovereign status.

The imperialist tradition with respect to territorial disputes, illegal invasion and occupation of foreign land under false pretexts currently maintained prolonging status quo from past century.

Despite imperialism horrific legacy, the contemporary situation involving direct intrusion in foreign nations internal affairs attributed to complicity from within for individual and vested interests.

Colonial rule made possible with treason committed in collusion with forces undermining national identity.

India is yet to experience sovereignty when foreign usurpation persists promoting economic and social disparity not to mention demographic marginalization hindering pervasive national progress.

As for Indian political system – the projection as world’s largest democracy functionally adapting to British concept of classism represents affluence with industrialists, ex-Royalty and celebrities from entertainment field domineering politics contradictory to mainstream composition where vast majority belonging to middle and lower income in addition to substantial population in abject poverty lack fair representation.

India in recent decades having made significant economic strides severely lagging behind in equitable income distribution combined with political establishment exclusivity is overcast on prospective future.

Poignantly, hegemony influence on India aimed at sabotage and derailing growth and development notwithstanding cultural values erosion necessitates national awakening in reclaiming Bharat founded on democratic principles exemplified in non-violence and peaceful means towards independence.

The contentious problem facing India even though shared worldwide is graft legislation introducing transparency and accountability beginning with political class and abuse of power misusing intelligence bureau as well as income tax department to quell dissent and objectivity on government performance.

Furthermore, foreign dominance on nuclear nations predominantly facilitated by corruption with mutual favors returned on tax evasions and embezzlements allowing funds transfer to overseas tax havens and Swiss Bank account not excluding absolving loyalists and appeasers from crimes committed during and after the term in office.

In fact, corruption is more potent than nuclear arsenal for hegemony control over nations regardless of nuclear capability.

India like most emerging economies has rising youth power and the younger generation especially the segments with no equal opportunity exercising voting right could choose leadership among them to address their plight rather than casting ballots to major political parties and coalitions evidently using public office for personal benefit.

Hegemony applies same formula on India akin to United States alternating between two political factions and alliances for their pandering to external sources in national detriment.

India’s foreign policy not entirely Indian cowering to western demands stalling bilateral relations with Pakistan and multilateral ties in Asia with White House pivot Asia stance poised at displaying United States military might and superiority in Asia Pacific.

India’s experience with imperial motives should provide guidance in discernment on foreign tactics such as polarization and fragmentation.

Hegemony infiltration in India’s decision-making process on national defense and cabinet appointments invalidates brave souls martyrdom that enabled August 15, 1947.

Indian troops presence in Kashmir and northeastern states deserves review and withdrawal directing focus on viable solutions that guarantee security and stability.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif initiative to release Indian fishermen held prisoners for inadvertent maritime infraction is a positive step in improving peaceful interaction and likewise India’s reciprocation in returning Pakistani civilians on these grounds would highlight genuine appreciation for goodwill.

Similarly, Pakistan joining India in combating cross border terrorism and militancy forming the basis for army patrol in Azad Kashmir and Srinagar respectively could perhaps yield conducive environment moving away from unwanted skirmishes and internal disturbance.

India’s investment in infrastructure, climate change, clean energy and constructive measures in bridging the gap between haves and have-nots are immediate priorities in rebuilding nation.

Additionally, citizens’ safety is the primary responsibility of authorities at municipal to national level.

The proactive methods comprising education through bill boards, television commercials and national dialogue to refrain from criminal activity and rewarding those for rescue attempts to help fellow citizens would shift the trend in the virtuous course.

India is the seat of enlightenment intended to illumine minds elevating spirit for self-realization i.e. oneness with creator conforming to exemplary postulate on monism established in Hindu religion and philosophy.

Best Wishes to compatriots in India in the accomplishments feat emulating the essence and brilliance of five natural elements – air, water, sky, earth and fire.

Peace to India!

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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