India’s Tryst With Destiny: Marking 73 years of Independence
People thronged the streets on the night of 14th August 1947, a time that will remain etched in the memories of Indians alike and the emotions attached. Women wearing bright saree’s, and fireworks in the sky were seen in various parts as India received her independence after extreme struggle. Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru then went on to give one of the finest speech in world history titled ” A Tryst With Destiny”.
“Long Years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes to redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour when the world sleeps India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India, and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity”
These lines were recorded in history as one of statesmanship, courage and absolute devotion for one’s motherland which was delivered with precision and charisma. India has come a long way since, and its people have taken strides towards economic and social development. It has had its share of misfortunes, dragged to wars, attacked by non state actors and fundamentalist groups and yet it has maneuvered to being one of the rising nations of the 21st century.
Although rising population is a concern, and there are many individuals and households subsisting on bare minimum, it has managed to pull people out and amalgamate into the rising middle class. India has taken strides in the field of science, space exploration, and manufacturing of generic medications.
It has been robust and risen above party lines to further unify a very diverse nation. Whether the actions were economic bringing radical changes in its financial system, or changing administrative structures to bring it at par with changing times, India has now shown courage to take proactive measures to move forward as a global power.
While progress and development has taken center stage, a major hurdle that India faces is incorporating the larger masses especially in the agricultural sector. Many projects are in the pipeline for lower income households to own a home but this has to be realized and more efforts have to be made. Their rising youth population needs to be provided with an equitable future, access to jobs and a secure livelihood.
India also faces the challenge of containing rising prices, although competition is strife and has played an enormous role in keeping a check on prices of essential commodities, pro people policies and ease of doing business is required to benefit the larger masses.
It is a continuing ” Tryst With Destiny” and looking forward there are many avenues where India can take center stage as a global economic super power, and emerge benevolent to its neighbors. It has a crucial role in SAARC, and with further regional cooperation the entire south Asian region will see catapulting growth through education and technology.
As PM Nehru concluded ” our much-loved motherland, the ancient, the eternal and the ever-new, we pay our reverent homage and we bind ourselves afresh to her service”