Reflections- A look back at 65 years of republic india...

As we enter into the 66th year of indian republic, I share my thoughts about the same. The debate about what could've been achieved is futile & insult to what we've achieved till today. By refereeing to achievements, we must see them as realisation of the principles laid down in our indian constitution. The driving point here is whether we've manifested the goals & targets set by the constituent assembly while framing our constitution. Now I don't wish to go into knitty gritty of the directive principles of state policy. But my blunt & straight question is whether we are any better off, as Indians, as what we were 65 years back?
Purely from statistical point of view, our economy & social indicators have definitely shown positive signs & they're no doubt commendable & laudable. But the fundamental point is has the last man reaped benefits of our efforts & initiatives? In my opinion, indian growth story resembles a chemical reaction without a catalyst. We are on the cusp of a major revolution but we're yet to touch that pinnacle. Indian economy has continously demonstrated its potential barring last 4 years. The fact that we weren't affected much by the global slowdown of 2008 displays our strong financial infrastructure. India's innate ability to be a global power centre has never been questioned even by our harshest critics. But we're definitely being questioned about our ability to rise on to an occasion & encash our potential.
Evaluating our electoral & constitutional obligations I can proudly conclude that election after election we've matured as a democracy. Now no longer can leaders garner votes in the name of identity politics. Caste lines have begun to fade. The public discourse has shifted from narrow communal discussions to more governance centric discussion. Definitely these are signs of a maturing democracy. LS Elections of 2014 represent the earnest desire of Indians to grow & unleash our potential. After 30 years indian electorate has given a strong & decisive mandate.
But I still feel that we're yet to arive at the correct interpretation of article 19(freedom), 21(life & liberty) & 25(religion & conscience). We still haven't effectively lived the spirit of our constitution. Directive Principles of State Policy are yet to be fully implemented.
The above mentioned things are more technical in nature.
As an evolving democracy, we can't afford to have a deaf ear towards the youth of our nation. They represent the palpable beat of our nation. As young citizens we ought to develop the Indian spirit in us. We ought to develop that indianess in us. Nothing is above the well being of our nation. Sovereignty & Integrity of our nation is paramount to us. We need to live & realise that indian spirit in us.
I wish & I urge all my young friends that lets realise our potential. Whatever we're today we owe it to our nation, if not fully than partly. The affirmation in our preamble that 'INDIA IS A SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC' must be realised in our spirit. Its mere presence in our books makes no sense. Lets redeem our pledge for a better india.
India is not a piece of land but it's an affirmation of spirit. We are that spirit. We represent that faith. India is an article of faith. Its a conscience which we abide by.
I hope that we'll live by that spirit & help India prosper economically, socially, politically & spiritually.
Wishing all my countrymen a very happy republic day. Ek Bharat! Shresth Bharat!