It was 2nd of October about a month ago, a day when we
remember Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. While some speak about his being the
apostle of peace, others will eulogize his role in the freedom movement and
then there are those who blame him for his so called role in the partition of
the country and the ills that followed. However, lately, his mission of cleanliness
seems to have swept all his other achievements and failures into the dustbin of
history. Today, I shall neither praise him nor raise him to the level of a Mahatma
nor will I decry him but just write about another part of him beyond this
debate.
When in school, often we were asked to write an essay on ‘India of My
Dreams’ and I would refer to a kunji
(guide) which inevitably started with a quote from Bapu which read: “I shall strive for a constitution, which
will release India from all thralldom and patronage, and give her, if need be,
the right to sin, I shall work for an India, in which the poorest shall feel it
is their country in whose making they have an effective voice; an India in
which there shall be no high class and low class of people; an India in which
all communities shall live in perfect harmony. There can be no room in such an
India for the curse of untouchability or the curse of the intoxicating drinks
and drugs. Women will enjoy the same rights as men. Since we shall not be at
peace with all the rest of the world, exploiting, nor being exploited, we
should have the smallest army imaginable, all interests not in conflict with
the interests of the dumb millions will be scrupulously respected, whether
foreign or indigenous. Personally, I hate distinction between foreign and
indigenous. This is the India of my dreams….I shall be satisfied with nothing
less.”
Over 70 years have gone by after independence and yet what the man
said then still holds good as goals for any person who loves and thinks good of
this nation- freedom, poverty alleviation, harmony amongst its diverse people, the
curse of untouchability, care and respect for women and world peace. No wonder
the man was different and about whom Albert
Einstein remarked that, “Generations to
come, it may well be, will scarcely believe that such a man as this ever in
flesh and blood walked upon this earth.”
Will the Mahatma’s Dream remain Utopian
thoughts of a man long gone and oft ridiculed by many today? I recently lay my hands on one
such dream of a person of today, an IAS Probationer, whose script of her two minute speech delivered sometime ago before the Indian President at Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan en-capsuled two
months of Bharat Darshan where the probationers needed to traverse different parts
of the country and experience India and its people.
Honourable Mr.
President,
It is a matter of great pleasure
and honour to be standing here in the hallowed arches of the Durbar Hall to
recount our Bharat Darshan experiences. These 55 days have made us observe,
reflect and internalise learning from very diverse platforms- all of which are
cogs in the wheel of nation building. Our exposure to the Armed Forces sensitised us to the harsh conditions and way of life in which these brave men and women
serve, and that too with pride and dignity. We witnessed how human capacity can
be stretched to its limits in the freezing heights of Nathu La, in the dense
jungles of Kibithu and in the inhospitable terrains of Poonch.
Nathu La, Sikkim
Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh
We learnt about the many facets
of civilian-military interface during our ground level interactions. We realised that not only at the higher echelons of the Defence Ministry but also at the
lower levels of district administration, we can play a key role in the lives of
our army men. These were mostly manifested in the very basic but extremely
important issues like civil disputes on land and succession affecting a jawan's
family or providing speedy monetary compensation for our martyrs’ kin. And it
is in these aspects, we intend to bring more synergy between the different arms
of the administration.
At the bedrock of all our
takeaways was an appreciation for diversity – not just in cultures and traditions
but also in administrative structures. From urban local bodies in Gujarat to
tribal village councils in Nagaland, we realised that governance has a truly
panoramic character. In many a hinterland, the traditional sources of local authority
have been perfectly wedded to the modern democratic institutions to provide
administrative efficiency.
In the milieu of these varied structures,
we tried to imbibe best practices across regions because that is the basis for
evidence based policy making. Successful government ventures– ranging from Kudumbashree*
in Kerala to the BRTS Scheme** of Ahmedabad – made us realize that government machinery
can be galvanised to deliver efficiently with good implementation and political
will. And this applies to rural and urban areas alike. While rural and urban
problems have different flavours altogether, they do have common threads like
the population pressure on land, the need for quality infrastructure and the
use of technology in the betterment of lives.
And, speaking of creating an impact,
Sir, we also saw the importance of civil society in the process of nation
building. It is often said that the success of a democracy depends on a
well-informed electorate. We realised that when this electorate mobilises
itself to address its own issues, they can truly supplement and complement the
government in its efforts. For example, the low cost innovations like the Jaipur
Foot which is helping scores of disabled people daily for years together and
which now needs to be scaled up. Also, worth mentioning is the Akshayapatra
Foundation which provides mid-day meals across various states in India that has
helped in improving the nutritional status of the children. Voluntary organisations
have therefore truly helped in elevating economic profiles, building capacities
and changing lives of many in this country.
Akshyapatra Kitchen
Sir, in these travels across the
nation, each one of us captured fond memories and many stories of fortitude,
resilience and enterprises. As they say that the best steel is forged in the
hottest fire and so it is in human lives. In many strife torn regions, we found
many a burning ray of hope. In the Naxal district of Dantewada in Maharashtra,
we found one of the best residential schools for physically challenged students,
while in Manipur we came across a well-developed sports infrastructure which
has given the nation many a sports superstar like Mary Kom and Dingko Singh.
These tales were narrated to us in many different languages, but each more inspirational
than the previous.
Sir, during these travels, apart
from these insights about our wonderful nation, we have also got to know our
own self and our colleagues better. We learnt about lessons of teamwork,
leadership, crisis management and adaptability. And for the great camaraderie
and lifelong friendships that have been forged, we will indeed look back on these
days with fond nostalgia.
Finally, it is rightly said
about our great nation that no matter where you go, it becomes a part of you,
and today we can proudly say that we truly carry India in our hearts.
Thank you!
Jai Hind!
The first thought that comes to
our mind when someone utters Indian Administrative Service is Power- Power of
the ‘Yes Minister’ bureaucrat and also their Powerlessness before the political
masters. These are officers selected after a couple of rigourous written
examinations followed by an interview where finally only the best are filtered
and then the top rankers of the lot get selected to join the elite service
called IAS. With power in their hands, many of these individuals have over the
years made a difference to the lives of the countrymen. When I read the speech,
I could feel the honesty and simplicity of the young probationer with a deep
appreciation for the Wonder that is India and a small flame of hope in wanting
to do good for the nation and its people.
How this young lass, who happens to be the daughter of a colleague, will
shoulder the hopes and aspirations of a billion people is anybody’s guess and a
tale only time will tell but for the sake of all of us and our children, let us
wish her and her young tribe luck, fortune and everything that’s nothing but
the best. May the power be wielded well for betterment and greater good and her
dream come true, for her sake and ours.
Happy Birthday Bapu.
SS
NB:
*Kudumbashree is the community based women’s empowerment and
poverty eradication program, framed and enforced by the Government of Kerala with
the support of Government of India and NABARD. It aims to eradicate absolute
poverty within a definite time frame.
**BRTS, Ahmedabad is Bus Rapid
Transport System is operated by Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited, a subsidiary of city’s
municipal corporation. BRTS has gone along way in providing safe, accessible and
efficient transport system and one which has won many international laurels.
Only when the real and actual powers and accountability will get devolved to that little scrupulous village council in Manipur and similar bodies in all other states followed by similar devolvement to local self governance bodies like local area/tehsils, municipalities, districts etc. will we be able to see a change in this country. The entire civil service needs to be completely turned around by it's head so that IAS officers' role becomes facilitators of local self governance aspirations of the people and not the other way around.
ReplyDeleteAs usual nicely narrated Sir. HAts off for the depth knowledge on topic. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat
ReplyDeleteWell said. The educated middle class must work towards empowerment of the under privileged. We do have close associations with the less privileged like our maids, car cleaner, driver etc. If each one of us can contribute to their education and empowerment, we will be able to achieve something in his honour. Rather than the political parties plying his name to attain a nirvana moment and connect with their audience and we the people using October 2nd as only a holiday.
ReplyDeleteOut of this entire "Presentation of India" by this lass what touched me is the last paragraph citing the intertwining of cultures by their togetherness resulting in lifelong camaraderie and friendship, the will, grit, determination and guts to go anywhere and serve this nation by becoming a part of the place of service. Isn't it true with us too "Calcutta Kingpinz 88"? Thank God we came together and are now bound together till the rest of our lives. Thankful to the lass reminding each one who may belongs to any national recruitment.
ReplyDeleteWishing her the very best in the years to come as she realises her dreams.
Very well composed. While I may disagree with a few of the assertions, I admit, not grudgingly but quite freely, that your method of delivery did make me pause and reassess my own beliefs. While, like I said, on certain issues you and I may differ, it's this kind of extremely coherent argument that I relish, for, in divergence, it enriches me.
ReplyDeleteI always read your blog with interest and this one was not an exception. I appreciate the enthusiasm of the young probationer. We see it now, we have noticed it before and we can expect it after. But, we have also seen these young noble creatures turn into cynic middle aged as the years role by. This is where people of our age group needs to pitch in , We need to make an environment for the younger generation to preserve their sense of wonder and appreciation. Gandhis will come , and go by the bullet or otherwise and leave pearls of wisdom behind. Young probationers with determination and good purpose will never lack either , But it falls on to us to link one to the other and offer the opportunity to the next generation to carry on with their purpose without the fear of being trampled by the traditions, systems and orthodoxy.Thats the message I take from your blog.
ReplyDeleteVery well composed. While I may disagree with a few of the assertions, I admit, not grudgingly but quite freely, that your method of delivery did make me pause and reassess my own beliefs. While, like I said, on certain issues you and I may differ, it's this kind of extremely coherent argument that I relish, for, in divergence, it enriches me.
ReplyDeleteFrom the heart! A piece that shows us a Dhinesh seriously engaged in the big picture of nation building. And the speech of the probationer.. Truly great warning. I guess each one steps into the services after working si hard for it has a great idea of where they would like to contribute. Oh for the synergy of politics and administration. If that is achieved without the cynicism, with an understanding of each ones limitations and possibilities, what a nation we could build. Forget every single productive activity... If we just free up as a nation that respected the rule of law and became conscious of our duties... It.. If.. but that day is not an eternity away.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartening to read some of the best things about our nation, the young officer could have easily mentioned some harsh bitter realities she may have encountered but she chose otherwise. Her speech reflects her determination and am sure she will serve the nation diligently. More power to do what is right to the young officers
ReplyDelete