25 January - National Voters Day: Empowering Democracy through Participation

 

The miraculously successful Indian Democracy owes its genesis to the Voters, let us hail them all on National Voters Day, today. Today, 25 January, we celebrate the 14th National Voters Day. Commemorating National Voters Day began in 2010, which marked the sixtieth year of the founding of the Election Commission of India, which was established on January 25, 1950. Today, as we commemorate National Voters Day, it is pertinent to remember that this day stands as a testament to the pivotal role played by the electorate in shaping the destiny of a nation. In the vast and diverse tapestry of India's democratic landscape, this day serves as a reminder of the extraordinary significance that 'we the people' hold in fostering a vibrant and thriving democracy.

Central to the beauty and vibrancy of the Indian democracy is the Indian electorates - the rich and mighty, the powerful and powerless, the poor and the insignificant, the lettered and unlettered, sheltered and unsheltered, the males, females and the trans gender’s, the believers and non-believers, Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, religious and non-religious, young, middle-aged, old and the very old - all standing as equals, each rubbing shoulders with one another, in the true spirit of equality and humanity first, who make our democracy thrive. While we celebrate this day today, let us reemphasize the significance of voters for the success of the Indian democracy.

 In the early years post-independence, India faced challenges associated with low literacy rates, just 16 % when we attained independence in 1947. Despite this drawback, the framers of the Indian Constitution, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his colleagues, demonstrated extraordinary foresight and a deep commitment to democratic principles. They recognized that the essence of democracy lies in inclusivity, irrespective of educational background. Notably, the recognition of women's equality in the right to vote is a significant feat. At a time when even advanced democracies were grappling with gender disparities in voting rights, India stood out by ensuring universal adult suffrage, including women, from the very inception of its republic. This progressive stance not only set a powerful precedent but also contributed to shaping a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

In the broader global context, India's approach to voting rights becomes particularly noteworthy. Many established democracies took considerable time to grant women the right to vote, with some not achieving full suffrage until the mid-20th century. India's commitment to equal voting rights, regardless of gender or educational background, showcased a progressive vision that went beyond the prevalent norms of its time. If we look back in time and see what our status was when we attained our independence, not many would have predicted – including the optimists - that India as a democracy would survive for more than a few decades or so.

 What the odds were for India succeeding as a thriving democracy, when we attained independence, can best be seen when we juxtapose Indian democracy as a start-up company in 1947. Not even the most adventurous and risk-taking Venture Capitalists would have considered investing in the Indian democracy. More so since there were many doomsday predictions made by the British, evidence of which can be seen from the last British commander in chief of the Indian Army, Gen. Claude Auchinleck. He wrote “The Sikhs may try to set up a separate regime. I think they probably will and that will be only the start of a general decentralization and break-up of the idea that India is a country, whereas it is a subcontinent as varied as Europe. The Punjabi is as different from a Madrassi as a Scot is from an Italian. The British tried to consolidate it but achieved nothing permanent. No one can make a nation out of a continent of many nations.”

Gen. Claude Auchinleck was not the sole voice to make such a doomsday prediction for Indian democracy. When we attained independence, India was a nation within nations with as many as 565 princely states and many more divisions. Helped by Sardar Patel, India was united to carve out the geographical and political map that we see today. However, in those early days of our democracy, doomsday predictions for India and Indian democracy were dime a dozen. India would not survive as a single nation, was one common observation by most Western observers, let alone becoming a successful democracy. One of the former British officials, who witnessed the first general elections in India in 1952 wrote “a future and more enlightened age will view with astonishment the absurd farce of recording the votes of millions of illiterate people.”

From such negativity and doomsday predictions, Indian democracy has passed through periods of trials and tribulations to emerge triumphant and today when we are commemorating the 14th National Voters Day, while commending ourselves and patting us on our back, we must resolve to spread the message of the importance of voting in a democracy and each of us must go out to exercise our democratic rights without fear or favour.

The essence of democracy lies in the active participation of its citizens in the electoral process. National Voters Day serves as a platform to recognize the power vested in the hands of the common man—the power to elect representatives who will voice their concerns, aspirations, and dreams. It underscores the idea that every vote cast is a brick in the foundation of a nation's future.

 India, with its diverse population and myriad challenges, relies on the collective wisdom of its citizens to navigate the complex web of governance. National Voters Day, therefore, becomes not just a celebration of the right to vote but also a call to duty, urging each citizen to exercise this right responsibly. 

As we reflect on the relevance of this day, it becomes imperative for us to look back on the percentage of voters who exercised their franchise during the general elections. This data reveal that in the very first general elections conducted in 1952, India recorded an impressive 61.2% of votes and this number continued to be quite impressive hovering around 60% or so (62.2% in 1957, 55.42 in 1962, 61.33 in 1967, 55.29 in 1971, 60.49 in 1977, 56.92 in 1980, 63.56 in 1984, 61.95 in 1989, 56.93 in 1991, 57.94 in 1996, 61.97 in 1998, 59.99 in 1999). The voting percentage fell abruptly to below 50% for the first time in the fourteenth general election held in 2004, to 48.74%.  This was the time when it was realised that efforts were needed to create awareness among visitors about the importance of voting.  

The first-ever National Voters’ Day was celebrated on January 25, 2011, to encourage more young voters to take part in the electoral process. The then Union government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved a proposal of the law ministry to declare a National Voters Day. The then information and broadcasting minister, Ms. Ambika Soni pointed observed that new voters, who attained the age of 18, were showing less interest in getting enrolled in the electoral rolls. To address this issue, the Election Commission decided to launch a nationwide effort to identify all eligible voters who reach the age of 18 on January 1 of each year in all polling stations across India. All such new voters were to be enrolled and given the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) on January 25 every year.

National Voters Day seems to have had some positive impact. The 16^th general election held in 2014 witnessed 66.40% voting and in the 19^th general election, held in 2019, the voting percentage witnessed a record 66.40%, the highest ever in the history of Indian general elections. This evidences that we must acknowledge that the health of any democracy is directly proportional to the level of civic engagement. The act of casting a vote is not merely a civic duty but a solemn responsibility toward the preservation and enhancement of democratic values. It is through this participation that the true spirit of democracy is upheld.

The appeal to the people of India is a resounding one—to recognize the power they wield as voters and to embrace the responsibility that comes with it. Elections are not just events; they are the mechanisms through which the collective will of the people finds expression. In every vote cast, lies the potential to shape policies, influence governance, and contribute to the larger narrative of the nation.

On this National Voters Day, let us pledge to be conscientious citizens, mindful of the impact our choices can have on the trajectory of our country. Let the ballot box be our voice, and let our collective voice resonate with the principles of justice, equality, and progress. Each vote is a stepping stone towards a more inclusive and prosperous India.

As we celebrate National Voters Day, let us not only recognize the importance of our voting rights but also pay homage to the remarkable journey that transformed India from a British colony to a sovereign republic. The struggles of the past serve as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities we bear as citizens to uphold the principles enshrined in our constitution.

On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity that form the bedrock of our republic. May each vote cast be a tribute to the spirit of democracy that defines the essence of our great nation.

Images: Courtesy  Internet 

 Jai Hind. Long live Indian Democracy and the people of India.

 

 

127th Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose : Relatively an Unsung Hero

Today, 23rd January 2024, marks the 127th birth anniversary of the par excellence freedom fighter, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who was born on 23rd January 1897 in Cuttack, Orissa to the illustrious parents - an affluent and successful lawyer Janakinath Bose, and Prabhavati Devi, daughter of Anandamohan Bosu, a prominent businessman in Cuttack. During the 125th birth anniversary, in addition to announcing the commemoration of this day, befittingly, as the Parakram Diwas – in recognition of the quintessential Parakram attributes of Netaji and his extraordinary daring pursuits for the freedom of our nation – Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, had unveiled a hologram statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the India Gate and had announced that a grand statue of Netaji will be installed at the India Gate “as a symbol of India’s indebtedness to him”. 

Befittingly, as we celebrate the 127th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose today, a jet-black granite statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, measuring about 9 meters tall and weighing some 65 Metric Tonnes, has been installed at the historic India gate canopy. Interestingly, the giant statue of Netaji was sculpted by the very sculptor – Arun Yogiraj, who is now in the national news for sculpting the Ram Lalla idol, which was consecrated with the Pran Pratishtha Ceremony, by the honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Ayodhya, yesterday.  The 41-year-old sculptor, Arun Yogi Raj, belongs to a family of five generations of sculptors. He was – perhaps - chosen to sculpt the idol of Ram Lalla, which unfolded its profound beauty in Ayodhya yesterday, primarily because of the highly appreciated sculpting capability that he had demonstrated in sculpting the 30 feet statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose installed in the canopy behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate in New Delhi.

 

The statue of Netaji, standing majestically tall, commemorates the pivotal role played by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, one of the most iconic and influential leaders, who played a significant role in the Indian freedom struggle. Netaji’s role and his militaristic approach in attaining independence for India though were diametrically opposite to the Gandhian way, it must be recognised that this was one of the prime reasons for India gaining independence from British Rule. Netaji’s granite statue at the India Gate will help us all - fellow Indians – to remember his contributions to the Indian Independence struggle, which will be etched in the annals of Indian history. It is so very providential that the very artist – Arun Yogi Raj - who was chosen to sculpt the historic statue of Netaji for commissioning at the India Gate was commissioned to sculpt the Ram Lalla idol. It appears that Yogi Raj, the sculptor hailing from Karnataka, has been gifted with this god-gifted artistic sculpting talent from the legendary sculptor, Jakanachari, who hails from Karnataka. The legend of Jakanachari - who is aptly given the epithet “Amara Shilpi” - as a sculptor par excellence is larger than life, which is evidenced in several temples with fine sculptures seen in the temples of the Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoysalas.

 

The grand statue of Netaji, carved by Yogi Raj stands tall in the Indian Gate Canopy, which has been carved from a monolithic block of granite that weighed around 280 MT. Several craftsmen and artists, under the leadership of Yogi Raj, have worked with passion putting in “26,000-man hours of intense artistic endeavour” in chiselling to produce the statue of Netaji, which weighs around 65 MT. True to the age-old Indian traditions of crafting and sculpting the best of statues by sculptors like Jakanachari, the statue of Netaji has been completely hand-sculpted using traditional techniques and modern tools.

 

The scale and size of the sculpture of Netaji and the necessity of a special granite monolithic block to sculpt it ensured that the granite block had to be transported on a specially designed 100 feet long truck with 140 wheels, which had carried the monolithic granite stone on a journey of more than 1600 plus km from Khammam in Telangana to New Delhi.

Today as we celebrate the 127th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, we must bow down in reverence to this great son of India who sacrificed what would have been a lucrative ICS career, in service of our motherland. All through his life, Netaji dreamt nothing but freedom for the nation, and in the process, he may have chosen a path, that may not appear to be the right way for some, but then it must be remembered that his aim was like that of the legendary Arjuna’s aim, which was to get independence for India from the colonial rule of the monster rulers – the British - at any cost and that too for the Akhand Bharat and not the India that we now recognise.  It is from this position that we must recognise his path of divergence from Gandhi. It is this path for freedom for India that manifested in the formation of the Azad Hind Force, aligning with Japan to confront the British. Bose's commitment to an unfocused objective of India's freedom demonstrated his unyielding spirit and perhaps it is the fear of this spirit which helped in India get the freedom

 

On this occasion it is apt to recall that historic speech of Netaji, where he spoke those immemorable words ' Give me your blood, I will give you freedom' and motivated thousands of his fellow countrymen - the Indian National Army. Netaji’s appeal motivated thousands of his fellow countrymen, the Indian National Army, to fight selflessly for Indian freedom, most unfortunately the INA and the people who fought under its banner, get only a footnote mention while speaking of our struggle for independence. History and as a corollary all of us have been unfair to Subhash Chandra Bose and his men, but then fortunately, though late, his statue standing tall on the ramparts of the Kartavya Path has made amends and etched his contributions in the annals of Indian history and ensured that he and his extraordinary unsung heroes - his fellow INA members and the Azad Hind Force - continue to be remembered and revered by this indebted nation, even as Bose's controversial death in an air crash adds intrigue to his legacy. The circumstances surrounding his death continue to be a subject of debate and scrutiny. As the narrative evolves, there's a growing acknowledgment of the need to delve deeper into Bose's life, acknowledging both his extraordinary contributions and the mysteries surrounding his demise.

Here are some highlights of contributions by Netaji.

 

Netaji formed the Forward Bloc, on 3^rd May 1939, in Makur, Unnao, after parting ways with the Congress. He resigned from the presidency of the Indian National Congress on 29 April after being outmaneuvered by those who were inimical to the growing stature of Netaji in Congress. His main focus was advocating for a more aggressive approach toward attaining independence. This marked a pivotal moment in his quest for a stronger, united India.

 

He established the Azad Hind Radio, which he used effectively to broadcast messages of inspiration and motivation to the Indian masses, fostering a sense of unity and determination during the freedom struggle.

 

He founded the Indian National Army (INA) in 1942. This was one of his most significant contributions and his army contingent comprised of Indian prisoners of war and civilians.  INA played a crucial role in challenging British rule, particularly in the context of the Burma Campaign. Unfortunately, due to politics, the contributions of the INA and how it helped expedite India's attaining freedom from the British have been completely overlooked at worst and brushed under the carpet at worst.

 

Netaji proclaimed the establishment of the Azad Hind Government in Singapore in 1943, reflecting his commitment to providing an alternative administrative structure for a free India. He visited the South Andaman district in 1943. On December 30th, 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Supreme Commander of the Azad Hind, created a historic moment by hoisting the Indian National Flag for the first time on the soil of Port Blair.

 

Under Bose's leadership, the INA participated in the Battle of Imphal in 1944, a significant military engagement against the British forces. Though the INA ultimately withdrew, the battle demonstrated the strength and determination of Bose's forces.

 

Netaji established the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-women combat unit within the INA, challenging traditional gender roles and showcasing his progressive vision for an independent India.

 

He actively sought international support for India's cause, forging alliances with countries like Germany and Japan. His diplomatic efforts aimed to garner backing for the Indian independence movement on the global stage.

 

 

Images: Courtesy Wikipedia

 

Long live Netaji and his INA compatriots in the hearts and minds of Indians.

 

Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of Stephen Hawking: A Legacy of Resilience, Determination and Scientific Brilliance

It was on this day 8 January 1942, that Stephen Hawking, a scientist whose enduring image has been etched in the annals of human history that will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of people, was born in Oxford, UK. Today as we celebrate the 82nd birth anniversary of Hawking, it is pertinent to remember him for leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of science. The world over Hawking will be eternally remembered as an enduring symbol of resilience and indomitable determination. Diagnosed with a rare Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) disorder at the age of 21, Hawking faced immense physical and neurological challenges, including confinement to a wheelchair and loss of speech and movement. However, his unwavering spirit and unyielding willpower propelled him to overcome these obstacles and redefine the boundaries of scientific exploration.

Stephen William Hawking, was not one of those precocious children who was destined to be famous from the word go. Rather, Hawking didn't excel in school as a child. It was only after he entered college that he started enjoying his subject and got immersed in his studies. While pursuing his PhD in cosmology at the University of Cambridge, Hawking was diagnosed with the rare ALS disorder. By then he had already noticed that he was getting clumsy and had even fallen once or twice for no apparent reason. His father then took him to the family doctor to ascertain the reasons for his unnatural fall and clumsiness, where he was diagnosed as suffering from ALS.

It was in 1971, when the young physicist, Stephen Hawking, proposed a groundbreaking concept known as the "Area Theorem," an idea rooted in Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. This theorem laid the foundation for understanding the nature of black holes and their behaviour concerning the area of their event horizons and it set off a series of fundamental insights about black hole mechanics. The experimental validation of this theorem took an unexpected turn in 2015 with the historic detections made by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

Stephen Hawking's Area Theorem, which became an integral component of his research on black holes, postulates that the total area of the event horizons of black holes can never decrease over time. The event horizon is the boundary beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape the gravitational pull of the black hole. This is what makes black holes one of the most known scientific terms with little understanding of what it is, in terms of science and its understanding. Hawking’s theorem aligns with the second law of thermodynamics, suggesting an intriguing connection between the physics of black holes and thermodynamic principles. Hawking's work extended Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, introducing new perspectives on black hole dynamics. According to the Area Theorem, as black holes merge or interact, the collective area of their event horizons should not diminish, affirming a fundamental aspect of the thermodynamic behaviour of black holes.

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) made history in 2015 by detecting gravitational waves emanating from the collision of two black holes. This groundbreaking observation not only confirmed a major prediction of Einstein's theory but also provided a unique opportunity to explore the implications of Hawking's Area Theorem. As the two black holes spiralled inwards and eventually merged, they created ripples in spacetime, propagating as gravitational waves. LIGO's precise instruments detected these waves, offering a wealth of information about the binary black hole systems. The observations also provided an indirect validation of the Area Theorem, as the combined area of the event horizons in the final merged black hole should not be less than the sum of the individual black holes' areas before the collision.

Hawking's contributions to theoretical physics, particularly in the fields of cosmology and black holes, are nothing short of revolutionary. Beyond his scientific achievements, Stephen Hawking emerged as a symbol of hope for differently-abled individuals around the globe. His life story exemplified the triumph of the human spirit over physical limitations. Hawking's resilience in the face of adversity resonated with countless people, fostering a sense of empowerment and proving that the human mind knows no bounds, even when the body does.

One of Hawking's most enduring legacies is his best-selling book, "A Brief History of Time." This masterpiece brought complex scientific concepts to a broader audience, captivating readers with the wonders of the cosmos. The book's success not only solidified Hawking's status as a brilliant scientist but also positioned him as a communicator who could bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public. Published in 1988, this book aimed to make complex topics like black holes, the nature of time, and the origin of the universe accessible to the general public. It became an international phenomenon, selling millions of copies and staying on bestseller lists for an extended period. In the book, Hawking skilfully combined scientific insights with engaging prose, offering readers a glimpse into the mysteries of the cosmos without compromising on intellectual rigor. The book's success not only brought widespread recognition to Hawking but also played a pivotal role in popularizing science and inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts.

Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018. Appended below is a link to my tribute paid to Stephen Hawking on my Facebook on his passing away. His frail yet indefatigable appearance stuck to the wheelchair with his characteristic voice synthesised speech, will surely be missed by hundreds of thousands of his admirers all across the globe. And for the innumerable differently abled and their caregivers, for whom he continued to be a shining star of hope and aspirations, his death means the star has collapsed into a black hole creating an unconquerable vacuum.

Incidentally just two years after the passing away of Hawking, the coveted Nobel Prize for Physics for the year 2020, was awarded half to Roger Penrose for showing how black holes could form and half to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez for discovering a supermassive object at the Milky Way’s center.

Long live Stephen Hawking.