Independence Day - Part III (Concluded)

In fact, history in post-independence India isn’t much different (even though it is hardly ever taught in school textbooks). The Indo-Pak wars in 1948, 1971 and the Indo-China War of 1962 have played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s political future. The outcome of the Wars could have changed the very economic fabric of the nation. The fact that the Kashmir Issue receives enough limelight from international media has a lot to do with India’s economic and nuclear status. The nuclear status owes itself to the fact that Vajpayee government won elections in 1998 which in itself owes itself to the Kargil War.

All the text above just leaves me with one thought. Our lives, our comfort, economic status, our jobs, our money … every part of our life depends on our country. They depend on – sovereignty and democracy that we enjoy and celebrate on every Independence Day. Sovereignty is an expensive commodity that needs to be protected by winning crucial Wars, with the blood of our soldiers and sweat of the taxpayers. And Democracy is protected by keeping the right people elected in office.

For some of us, the Independence Day is just another day off from office – another opportunity for an outing. But, let us remind ourselves that even the most powerful of nations have faced threats to their sovereignty and unless we fight for our sovereignty we may loose it. Unless we ensure that the right person is commanding the nation in times of crisis – we may still loose it.

Next time, you think of being safe irrespective of who is the government and PM – next time you think of shrugging off the terrorist attacks as stray incidents – next time you feel like supporting the so-called victims in the Middle East – next time you feel like calling for peace in Iraq – do think back about what you may loose if Hezbollah, Lashkar or the Maoists succeed in taking away your sovereignty, your Independence!