The Nation Sixty Years On


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

The Nation Sixty Years On

The Nation, Sixty Years On: On 15 August 2007, India celebrated sixty years of its existence as a free nation. That India is still united, and it is still democratic, are achievements that we might justly be proud of. Many foreign observers had felt that India could not survive as a single country, that it would break up into many parts, with each region or linguistic group seeking to form a nation of its own. Others believed that it would come under military rule. However, as many as thirteen general elections have been held since independence, as well as hundreds of state and local elections. There is a free press, as well as an independent judiciary, finally, the fact that people speak different languages or practice different faiths has not come in the way of national unity.

On the other hand, deep divisions persist. Despite constitutional guarantees, the Untouchables or, as they are now referred to, the dalits, face violence and discrimination. In many parts of rural India they are not allowed access to water sources, temples, parks and other public places. And despite the secular ideals enshrined in the constitution, there have been clashes between different religious groups in many states.

The constitution recognizes equality before the law, but in real life some Indians are more equal than others. Judged by the standards it set itself at independence, the republic of India has not been a great success. But it has not been a failure either.

 
 
 


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