By Anil Raturi
The Indian “Nation State” arguably has many imperfections. For instance, in spite all its efforts, it has still not been able to completely emancipate itself from the plague of regressive social issues such as casteism and communalism. On the economic front as well, it has to contend with significant class and regional inequalities that are impediments to its objectives of poverty eradication and development.
However, notwithstanding all these flaws, as a “Nation State”, since its Independence, it has manifested remarkable institutional stability!
Its success in this aspect, becomes even more extraordinary and apparent when one recalls the various coups, intermittent martial rules, and the overall chequered march of democracy of its neighbouring countries: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Nepal, and even Maldives!
Despite the various systemic shortcomings that India’s governing organs may be suffering from, at the macro level, its institutions have commendably withstood the forces of dysfunctional socio-political upheaval– such potentially violent, nation destroying socio-political disturbances, which its neighbouring countries have regularly been experiencing!
The violence in Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, etc., is a lesson about the fragility of nations and how quickly entire countries can get derailed!
The people of these sad countries are compelled to face miseries of all sorts.
The recent violence and upheaval in Bangladesh is an unfortunate event, which should alert all peace lovers and institution builders. Institutions are built through the relentless hard work of generations. However, it takes only a moment to destroy them!
The concept of dissension is not only an important aspect of a democracy but rather it is its very essence!
However, the underlying norm for acceptable form of dissension is that it should be constructive and peaceful!
The dissenters should be able to discern the fine line between the government and the State. Enlightened citizens freely criticise their governments yet take care to protect the State’s institutions.
Whatever the shortcomings or merit of the regime in Bangladesh may have been, the revolutionary manner of its removal is disconcerting, to say the least!
It undermines all evolved rules of procedure!
The developed and powerful nations reap their despicable profits by unleashing instability, uncertainty, and war.
In today’s Machiavellian world, organised subversion of weak nations is quite commonplace.
In such a dismal world, peace is precious! One realises it’s worth only when it is lost!
It is, therefore, imperative that in their own interest, all citizens should shake themselves out of complacency and remain vigilant against subversion of the nation!
More so, the people who have had the privilege of an education and who have been so infinitely fortunate to get much from the system that is at stake!
A wise man aptly said, “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance!”
(Anil Raturi is a retired IPS officer)
