ACCEPT NEW INDIA

The great Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with his pragmatic diplomacy and his brilliant secretary V.P. Menon integrated 562 Princely States.  One by one States were formed to keep the Nation intact. 

Modern-day India owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Sardar Patel and his team for preventing the Balkanisation of the then newly-independent country.  One needs to understand the environment prevailing at that point of time to understand their contribution and appreciate their Vision, Tact and Diplomacy.

Along with Independence, India also inherited several besetting problems.  The communal riots, partition, refugee crisis, depleting resources, ill-equipped colonial machinery, etc.  It is under these circumstances the trick was pulled off.

The demarcation of States in most cases were based on linguistic lines.  This suited the situation, and everything was smooth for almost 4 decades.  The suggestion of having Hindi as the national language was not liked by Tamil Nadu and the first major revolt based on language, erupted.  This followed by protests and riots against Tamil Migrants who had moved to Mumbai in search of greener pastures.  Since then, several attempts have been made by various States in protecting the native of their states, under one pretext or other. 

Now, in our 72nd year, we see signs of new problems, that could affect the very fabric of India.  In the name of politics, the people of this country are polarised based on language. In the recent past we have seen politicians demanding reservations for people from their State in Jobs. 

From Religion to Caste and now to Language, attempts are made to create a divide.  There can be no definition of a Tamilian or Kannadiga or Maharashtrian.  Does staying in a state for more years qualify to be termed as a Native?  Does knowing the language qualify someone to be termed as a Native of a State that speaks the same language?  If these are the guidelines, nativity cannot be determined for most of the people living in Central and Northern Indian where Hindi is widely spoken.

The recent spike in number of people moving out of Bihar, UP and Bengal in search of better jobs to other states, has once again brought the migration issue in the limelight.   This phenomenon is likely to increase in the coming years.  Migration from one state to another in search of better job opportunities and living is going to increase.  This is a natural phenomenon. 

Migrating to another Country in search of Jobs is accepted by all and is seen with Pride.  But witnessing migrants from other states is seen with descent. This should not be encouraged. 

India is One.  All Indians have rights to work and live anywhere in India.  This is the true fabric of India.  How would India look if few states are economically healthy and the others suffer.  Living together as Indians in our primary responsibility to make our Nation Stronger and United.  This is also a way of exhibiting our patriotism.

One for All and All for one.  If we cannot live together as one Indian Family, the Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam will always remain only as a distant dream.

 

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in May 2019 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)