Mains Marathon

• Introduce briefly about the 75^th Independence anniversary of India.
• Discuss and relate the journey of Independent India with the ideals of Gandhiji. Discuss what could be the journey of India if Gandhi's vision of India was effectively implemented in policy making and its execution.
• Conclude suitably.

India celebrates and commemorates her 75^th independence anniversary and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Indian policy makers had given special attention to the Gandhiaan ideals and values and it resulted in the inclination of various policies towards the ideals of Gandhiji.

The inclusion of Gandhian ideals in the policies of India till its 75 Independence day anniversary:

• The formation of the National Foundation of Community Organisation under the Home Ministry for inclusion of Sarva dharma Shambhava spirit of Gandhi ji among masses.
• Constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj Institution by 73rd constitutional amendment Act to realise Ram Rajya of Gandhiji and democracy at the grassroot level in Independent India.
• Inclusion of prohibition on the slaughter of cattle/cow and calf on the lines of Gandhian ideals to preservation of indigenous breed of cattles and development of village economy.
• Providing constitutional Right and fundamental right to form cooperative society by 97 constitution amendment Act 2011. To provide further boost to cooperative movement and cottage industry on Gandhian lines in India Govt. formed a Cooperative Ministry.
• To serve the economic-social and educational upliftment government has enacted reservation for SC, ST, and EWS categories in the public jobs and education to realise the concept of Sarvodaya and Antyodaya.
• Several state govts had banned liquor in their states like Gujarat, and Bihar to prohibit the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health.

Although the govts has taken a number of steps to realise the Gandhian ideals in Independent India. But the journey of India in post independent India could have been different, if Gandhiji were there. Like:

• The constitutional states to Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) could have been given earlier if Gandhiji were there. PRI in its present form has no and very little financial and execution powers but Gandhian ideas were talking about the democracy at village level with full autonomy and down to up approach.
• The National Foundation of Community Organisation could be more effective with more voice to make a more secular and tolerant society and works for the communal harmony like Hindu-Muslim Unity.
• Although there are provisions for the prevention of cattle slaughter but initiative for the development of indigenous breed of cow and cattle to boost village economy are not very encouraging, it could have been more intensive with Gandhiji.
• Constitutionalisation of corporate society was done very late i.e., in 2011 and its effect on ground level is very pathetic. It could have been earlier and more robust.
• Banning liquor is not the remedy in absence of effective action against the parallel market of liquor.
• India has witnessed many riots and violent movements but in the presence of Gandhiji or his ideals among the public may have solved much complex problems peacefully.
• Gandhiji had more inclination towards the concept of trusteeship in the economic domain than today’s socio-capitalism form of economic model in India.
• Gandhian ideas do not support weapons of mass destruction like nuclear weapons. So, he might have supported nuclear deterrence with the condition of No first Use policy in context of India’s Nuclear Programme.
• Gandhiji’s ideals had more space for women upliftment and socio-cultural upliftment of the untouchables and Dalits with economic upliftment by the cottage industry and cooperative industry.
• Gandhi’s persuasion method to eradicate untouchability might have removed this sin from Indian society even without any coercive legal arrangement, which we have failed to achieve even with law and penal action.
• Gandhian lifestyle was epitome to achieve sustainable development goals not on India but also on global level.

Gandhian ideals are the time-tested concept for every generation to live a sustainable, peaceful life with an inclusive society. We have to realise the Gandhian ideals and values at every stratum of society from regional to national and global level.