Within a few hours from now India will turn 72. It is surely a moment of joy and pride, and one to cherish. At the same time, it is a moment for introspection too. At least on Independence Day we should think about how much we have progressed and what we shall have to improve. This is necessary because without proper introspection, the nation will not be able to march forward. That is real patriotism. Patriotism does not mean sweeping every problem under the carpet.
There is no denying that the problems in the country are many even after seven decades of having attained independence. A horrific incident was reported from Maharashtra, on the eve of Independence Day that a girl had died after taking iron pills, which was given to her by her school. What is more worrying is that 129 other girls, also from the same school, took ill along with the girl. They had to be taken to the hospital. Some of them were discharged after treatment while some others are still being treated. It is evident from the happenings that the iron pills that were given to the girls to ‘strengthen their health’ were poison actually.
It is not difficult to understand what went wrong. As usual, keeping the nature of a ‘welfare state’ in mind, the Maharashtra government had launched a programme to provide iron pills to schools to counter malnutrition. In accordance with government regulations, tenders were called. Some iron pill manufacturers and middlemen expressed their willingness to supply it. Everything was right till that point. The problem occurred when, after being asked to supply the pills, the unscrupulous businessman adopted unfair means to double his profit. So, he bribed dishonest officials, and the quality of the pill was not at all checked. The desire to make more money snatched the girl from us.
Our leaders often talk about Indian pluralism, corruption or accuse other countries of bloodshed and unrest. Yet, even after 24 hours of the girl’s death, not a single leader from any political party visited the girl’s home. Not a single statement was issued expressing grief with the family; no compensation was announced. From the reaction of our political parties and its leaders, it would seem that no such incident happened. Did the little girl deserve such a treatment from her own countrymen?
So, when the National Flag is unfurled from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, the prime minister will be making a lengthy statement about the progress the country has made since its independence—but the parents of the girl will not be able to connect with the festivities. While the entire nation will be celebrating freedom, the family members of the girl will be weeping in a corner of their hut. No one will enquire about them. No one will take note of their suffering.
Questions should be raised: Why should we celebrate Independence Day after failing to save the girl? Are we not responsible for her death? Is it not our responsibility to atone for it? Is it not time to take a vow that no such deaths should take place in India? Is it not our duty to stand beside the girl’s family and ensure adequate punishment for the culprits? Instead of joining the celebrations, let us remember the little girl who lost her life due to our negligence.
