EMERGENCE OF A NEW INDIA
Peace and Spirituality
THE second half of the twentieth century witnessed the emergence of a new India. Some historical factors initiated a new process in India. Now, in the twenty-first century this process has reached its near culmination. In a single word it can be called ‘democratization of India’. Democracy results in de-monopolization of opportunities. This fact is evident in modern India. It is a positive sign for Indian society. Every section of society benefits from this revolution. This situation gives our country a unique position on the world map.
There are different factors that led to the initiation of this process. Some of these factors are political freedom, secular movements, modern education, industrialization of the economy and multinational culture. Also, several global factors are responsible for the shaping of this new India.
Freedom with discipline is the greatest good while freedom without discipline leads to anarchy.
The film industry has also played a positive role in this regard. Bollywood provides a new place and subject of interaction for people from different communities and religious backgrounds who work together in harmony. This is a new form of socialization. In this way, the industry has also contributed to communal harmony and brotherhood.
Now we need an ideology that is based on peace, spirituality, positive thinking and value-based culture. All these developments in democratic India have provided a favourable base for this initiative.
It is high time for thinking people to awaken and play their role in this regard. This kind of society can be built through peaceful methods like the media, informal education as well as seminars and conferences.
Before August 15, 1947 India’s struggle was directed towards political freedom. Now the most important question is how to use freedom in a healthy manner. It is a fact that freedom is the summum bonum. But, at the same time, it is also true that freedom requires discipline. Freedom with discipline is the greatest good while freedom without discipline leads to anarchy; and anarchy may nullify every good thing.
In the twenty-first century this is the greatest challenge before India. John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) was a Canadian-American economist and diplomat. He served as the US Ambassador to India from 1961 to 1963. Galbraith once remarked that India was a functioning anarchy (Rival Economic Theories in India, Foreign Affairs, July 1958). Many other people have also made such statements about India. It is our duty to dispel this notion.
It is the duty of the opinion-makers to make India a true democracy and a spiritual society.
Our leaders often claim that India is the largest democracy. This claim, however, is in terms of quantity. We have to make it qualitative. It is quality that matters, and not simply quantity. In terms of quantity, democracy is just a crowd. Conversely, in terms of quality, democracy is the greatest social boon. It is the duty of the opinion-makers to make India a true democracy and a spiritual society. Present India gives us enormous opportunities, but to avail these opportunities towards a healthy end is our own task.
The policy of avoidance does not mean cowardice. It simply means
refraining from wasting time and energy in a futile conflict.