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Elite class cause of all problems I refer to Mr H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial,
“Freedom for whom?” (Aug
15). Our forefathers who made supreme sacrifices for attaining Independence never thought that people would continue to die of starvation, farmers under debt would be committing suicide and corruption would become a way of life. Admittedly, our independence is meant for only the elite class which is not worried over the skyrocketing prices. The affluent and the mighty are not concerned about the security of the common people as they enjoy the tightest security cover. Sadly, all these problems are a creation of the elite class. Moreover, this class is adept in dividing people on the basis of caste, creed, religion etc. This is the brief report card of the nation after six decades of Independence. Our so-called parliamentary democracy is intact. People do exercise their franchise as a duty, but our representatives have failed them, making a mockery of the system. Consequently, what Mr Dua has predicted that the poor can burst out in anger in the face of this class may come true one day. S.K. KHOSLA, Chandigarh
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II The experience of democracy ever since Independence suggests that it has been a partial success. It can best be gauged from the fact that this very democratic process has thrown two very respected, honest and sincere persons as Prime Ministers in the last few years and another equally respected name as the President. Despite this success, not much has been achieved and that is where, it seems apparently, that democracy has failed us. While one cannot doubt the intentions of those at the helm of affairs, one cannot bring oneself to place enough confidence in their ability to deliver on the promises. What is required is not just intention, but a strong will and an equally strong ability to implement things. This ability, alas, seems to be lacking. Dr HARSH SHARMA, Mohali III Freedom is the exclusive preserve of the country’s elite consisting of the politicians, bureaucrats and industrialists. The politicians blatantly misuse their position for amazing wealth disproportionate to their source of income. Their cupidity and felony make them a class apart in our society.
Scams have fattened their huge pockets. Bureaucrats are the next class to enjoy freedom. They treat their departments as their fiefdoms. Some of them are pervasively insensitive to the common man’s problems. Big industrialists enjoy freedom because of the sources and resources at their disposal. They are a delighted lot and can have whatever comes to their mind. The major leftover chunk of population of electors even after 59 years are still deprived of freedom — freedom from hunger, unemployment, corruption, illiteracy, lawlessness, scams and militancy. Dr SOSHIL RATTAN,
IV Mr Dua, in his front-page editorial, has covered many important and convincing points. A sense of anxiety has gripped everyone due to violence perpetrated by terrorists, Naxalites and criminals in addition to the fear of the unconventional war. In cities, unemployment, overcrowding, drug addiction and crime have crossed all estimates. In villages, the plight of the poor farmers has become miserable. Indians overseas work diligently, earning ample amounts and their success abroad emerges as “India shining”. However, the high and the mighty in India are indifferent; they believe in amassing wealth by corrupt means and dirty politics. Many right-thinking and concerned people are increasingly getting worried about the quality of democracy and governance in the country. Thus, we need the services of dedicated intelligentsia to lead the people and usher in good governance. JAGTAR SINGH,
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V The editorial amply exposes the hollowness of our system. The gap between the rich and the poor has increased considerably during the last 60 years, official claims notwithstanding. The people were deceived when subjects such as basic education, health care and right to work were kept outside the ambit of Fundamental Rights of the citizens. Ostensibly, this was done to prevent the victims from going to the courts for their enforcement. After 60 years of Independence, millions can be seen defecating in the open in the National Capital, not to speak of other cities and towns. Over 30 cent of our population lives in slums in sub-human conditions. More than 60 per cent of population do not have access to clean drinking water. Millions of educated people are jobless. The people are losing faith in our political, social and justice system wherein the rich and the powerful are cornering all the benefits at the cost the poor and deserving sections. Major NARINDER SINGH JALLO (retd), Mohali
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