Allow me to quote the inimitable and irrepressible Meghnad Desai. He has commented on the way the Indian authorities dealt with Union Carbide and the callous and conniving manner in which the government of the day allowed Warren Anderson to get away scot-free.
This is what he has stated in his weekly column that was published in The Indian Express on Sunday, 20 June, 2010.
"Just compare this superior Indian way of conducting our affairs with the way in which the US President Barak Obama is conducting his campaign against BP where only a dozen or so people have died. We believe in ahimsa and we follow Gandhiji's teachings. We don't abuse our guests even if they have caused severe environmental damage and caused the death of 15,000 people. BP has to create a fund to compensate Americans who have suffered economic damage due to the oil spill. BP CEO Tony Hayward had to appear before Congressional Committees and even face some harsh words from the President. But, that's not our way. No harsh words, no parliamentary investigation. We are not like the US. We are a Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Republic." Telling comment! Actually, many more than that number perished.
Any way, I agree with the point Megnad Desai has made. Secular, socialist, democratic, republic? Yes. And, the common thread that runs through them all... You guessed it! Gandhian ahimsa. This philosophy of Bapu has permeated every area of Indian statehood. India's secularism, its socialism, its democracy and the very fabric of its republic. Is it any surprise that we have become a soft state? Is it any surprise that those who plot and scheme the dismemberment and destruction of India and everything that this country stands for in Pakistan, have no real fear of possible reprisal in their hearts? Is it any surprise that China should claim an entire Indian state (Arunachal Pradesh) as its own territory and object to even the Indian prime minister's visit to that state?
Looking inwards, is it any surprise that Kashmiris burn the Indian flag and get away with it? Is it any surprise that the naxals control vast swathes of Indian territory with impunity and cock a snook at the Indian state? Is it any surprise that the common man on the street has lost faith in the ability of the Indian state to act decisively in matters that count, in matters that by default presuppose courage? Is it any surprise that the Pakistanis scoff at us as "banyaon ka mulk" and have the audacity to ask, "woh hamara kya ukhad lenge"? Is it?
*** to be continued
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