October 1, 2023
Dear Readers,
I delve into the prospects of reviving the Congress party and the critical importance of robust opposition in Indian democracy. The absence of promising leaders within the party and the prevalence of self-serving tendencies observed in certain politicians have played havoc with our democracy. I stress the need for an efficient and transparent democratic system, highlighting the pivotal role that the Congress must assume in addressing our pressing challenges.
It is concerning that crucial issues often take a backseat while politicians engage in personal battles for survival. I explore India’s resilience in the face of political controversies. We should question why we scrutinize every matter through a political lens and recognize that our national life encompasses more than rigid viewpoints.
India stood out at the G20 summit, bolstering its global influence by effectively building international consensus on critical issues. Even as it addressed humanitarian concerns in global diplomacy, the government faced its fair share of controversy due to its ambitious beautification project, which involved relocating people and animals.
The mounting tensions between Canada and India stemming from the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh sympathetic to the Khalistani cause, carry complex implications. Both countries should strive for understanding and respect for each other's concerns to preserve their longstanding relationship.
Lastly, I explore the resilience of India’s national spirit, its diverse symbols of nationalism, and how the country’s historical challenges and inner strength have kept it united.
Sincerely,
Hari Jaisingh
Will Reviving the Congress Succeed?
In our intricate democratic landscape, the need for a robust opposition coalition is undeniable. Yet, when we consider the caliber of our professionals, scientists, and doctors, it becomes evident that talent abounds in most sectors, except politics.
The Congress has few talented public-spirited persons. For instance, consider Rahul Gandhi. Compared to stalwart leaders of the past, from Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi, he appears to be an average leader.
Apart from the absence of promising leaders, it is equally disquieting that certain sections of our parliamentarians are wasting the country's precious resources and time on trivial matters and creating obstructions in the smooth running of our democratic institutions.
The challenges confronting our nation cannot simply disappear amidst a climate of competitive shouting and walkouts. These issues demand sincere and dispassionate discussions, transcending party, sectarian, and communal biases.
The absence of seriousness in public matters among our legislators is profound. Today, the most pressing issue lies in the self-serving nature of small-time politicians, who, while vociferously accusing their opponents, seem more interested in amassing personal assets. However, unity emerges when seeking additional benefits from the national exchequer. It is no secret that they join hands in this setting to give themselves higher pay and privileges. Such has been the behavioral pattern of our legislators throughout history.
It is misguided for various political wheeler-dealers to assume that the common person is oblivious to the truth and the actions of individuals. Gone are the times when people in urban areas or villages could be easily misled. The Indian public these days might remain silent and endure quietly, but it has the capacity to retaliate, as it did in 1977, marking a significant shift in Indian public attitudes.
Returning to the pressing matter of revitalizing the Congress party amidst the dominant presence of the BJP, it is essential to emphasize that Indian democracy must have a formidable opposition. It is common sense that the revival and sustenance of the opposition must rely on something other than individuals who prioritize self-interest.
Ten months into his tenure as Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge has constituted the new Congress Working Committee [CWC]. He has revamped the CWC to place greater emphasis on empowering backward classes and minorities while also fostering increased engagement of youth and women. This reconstitution aims to create a diverse body dedicated to nurturing future leaders and contributing effectively to the party's efforts in states gearing up for elections.
The apex decision-making body comprises seasoned leaders such as Meira Kumar, Ambika Soni, A. K. Anthony, and Digvijay Singh. Additionally, it features prominent figures like K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Abhishek Singhvi, Salman Khurshid, Sachin Pilot, Gaurav Gogoi, and Shashi Tharoor, the latter having previously contested the presidential election against Kharge.
Whether the most-awaited overhaul of the Congress will rekindle hope within the party is a challenging question. Nevertheless, the emphasis is unmistakably on revitalizing the organization, which has begun to nurse optimism. Moreover, the spotlight is again on the upcoming elections, which explains Rahul Gandhi’s return to an energetic and proactive mode.
The time has not been more ripe to establish a robust system to ensure the efficient and transparent functioning of our democracy for the betterment of the people. It is the only way to navigate potential political shocks in the coming years effectively. The warning system for this purpose is very much visible on the national wall.
It is incumbent upon the ruling parties to demonstrate the courage of their convictions and the fortitude to set the right course for our political landscape. How the Congress adapts in the crucial months ahead will serve as a litmus test for how Rahul Gandhi’s Congress addresses functional gaps within our democratic framework and works towards the well-being of all segments of our society.
September 1, 2023
Navigating India's Complex Political Landscape
There is enough resilience among the people of India, that is, Bharat, in the face of a myriad of controversies. Some of these are man-made, while some arise from a misplaced zeal emanating from a lopsided politico-administrative system.
It is a familiar narrative - those in power and authority – rulers of the day – often prioritize personal or personalized agendas. However, it would be unjust to attribute any improper motive to President Draupadi Murmu's G-20 summit dinner invitation to delegates. Her invitation was extended on behalf of Bharat, not as the President of India. Unfortunately, this has sparked speculation about whether the BJP-led central government aims to rebrand the country as Bharat.
Article 1 of our Constitution references “India, that is Bharat.” The Hindi version consistently uses Bharat for India throughout. It states: “Bharat ka Samvidhan”, “Hum, Bharat ke log” (Preamble), and “Bharat ka Rashtrapati” (Article 52), among others.
It is worth noting that the Supreme Court had dismissed a Public Interest Litigation [PIL] seeking to remove “India” from Article 1 and retain only Bharat. The apex court affirmed that “India is already Bharat in the Constitution itself.”
Legal and constitutional experts state that there is no illegality in the use of “Bharat” in place of “India” in official communication as it is part of the Constitution that reads “India, that is, Bharat.”
It can be said that the terms – Bharat and India – can be used interchangeably, especially given the authorized Hindi version of the Indian Constitution. Still, the government cannot stipulate that everyone uses only one name. Either is permissible and usable interchangeably. This view is conveyed by senior Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Singhvi.
Singhvi has also emphasized that a constitutional amendment would be necessary only if the government insists on using one term exclusively or seeks to eliminate particular terms. Thus, there is no wrongdoing in issuing an invitation as the "President of Bharat."
However, it is crucial to understand that this does not signify the initial step toward abandoning the English term. We, therefore, ought to see the entire issue from a larger perspective and not in narrow angularities. The country today needs a sharp sense of direction and focused visionary leadership.
Regrettably, politics permeates every aspect of our lives and thinking. This constant churn in electoral choices results in unusual power configurations and behavioral patterns among politicians, which sensitive individuals may find difficult to comprehend or accept. Equally concerning is that while politicians engage in their own battles for survival, national issues are often sidelined or conveniently overlooked.
The essential question is: why must we scrutinize every matter solely through a political lens? We must recognize that our national life encompasses more than fixed angularities and closed minds.
My observations are not generalized but are based on close monitoring of the leaders and the led. It is no secret that our leadership has faltered repeatedly, even on critical national issues, fostering a perception of indecision and disillusionment among the public. In the process, it has created in the people's minds the image of a spineless body that is a prisoner of its own indecisions. This has led to the process of disenchantment of the people, and they have thus realized that their “gods” have feet of clay. This is unfortunate.
The pressing question now is: can we emerge from this chaotic situation? Much depends on the role played by our enlightened citizens. They must assert themselves and hold our leaders accountable for clean politics and transparent governance. I hope the BJP leadership will demonstrate better political stewardship in the future.
In this context, what our nation needs most today are honest and competent young leaders. We must wait and observe how unforeseen and unpredictable factors shape the future of Indian politics.
September 8, 2023
India’s success at the G20
The Group of Twenty [G20] summit marked a historic success for India, firmly establishing its global influence and garnering consensus on more than 100 agenda items after over 200 hours of rigorous negotiations. This accomplishment has received recognition from US President Joe Biden, who highlighted the pivotal roles of civil society, free press, and human rights in shaping a stable and prosperous world order.
India's active involvement in the G20 yielded a mutually beneficial outcome as Prime Minister Narendra Modi symbolically passed the leadership to Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, who will assume the forthcoming G20 Presidency. Furthermore, the summit marked a noteworthy milestone with the inclusion of the African Union as a new member, underscoring the G20’s enhanced capability to influence and shape a transformative world order.
Reflecting on the history of the G20, it was established in 1999, comprises the world's largest economies, and periodically gathers to synchronize global policies on matters such as trade, healthcare, climate change, and other pivotal issues. Past meetings have grappled with significant crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2008 financial crisis, the Iranian nuclear situation, and the Syrian civil conflict.
Together, G20 member nations represent a formidable force, accounting for approximately 80 percent of global economic output, nearly 75 percent of worldwide exports, and almost 60 percent of the world's population. The G20 includes democracies such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia and influential autocratic nations like China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 has strengthened multilateralism and made the forum more representative of the world's population.
Unlike permanent institutions with headquarters, offices, and staff, the G20 operates with a rotating leadership among its member countries. Decisions are made through consensus, and the implementation of its agenda relies on the political will of the individual states.
The G20 received recognition for its prompt response to the 2008 financial crisis when member nations pledged USD 4 trillion to revive their economies, rejected trade barriers, and implemented comprehensive financial system reforms.
While economic and financial coordination remains central to the agenda of the G20, recurring focal points include the future of work, climate change, and global health. However, despite recent attention to climate change, concrete commitments have yet to materialize from these meetings.
As the host of the 2023 summit, India has tailored the agenda to address challenges faced by lower-income nations in the Global South, including escalating levels of debt, persistently high inflation, currency devaluation, food insecurity, and the increasing frequency of severe weather events linked to climate change.
The Indian government was fully committed to turning the summit into a grand spectacle. The event occurred at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam complex in Pragati Maidan, featuring an impressive Nataraj statue. However, this transformation included the relocation of street vendors and even the demolition of homes, which raised concerns.
In contrast to previous ministerial meetings preceding the G20 leaders' summit, which did not produce joint communiqués, New Delhi successfully crafted a joint declaration despite the deepening divisions within the G20 caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Indian negotiators worked diligently to foster geopolitical consensus for the New Delhi Declaration.
The concluding statement, issued a day before the official closure of the summit, emphasized the “humanitarian suffering and negative consequences arising from the conflict in Ukraine” without directly mentioning Russia's invasion. Instead, it invoked the UN Charter, stressing that "all nations must refrain from using or threatening force to pursue territorial gains at the expense of another state's territorial integrity, sovereignty, or political independence. Additionally, it unequivocally declared the use or threat of nuclear weapons as unacceptable.
India plays a significant role in multilateral diplomacy and can contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing issues. Its success in the G20 is a testament to its growing influence on the global stage, and the geopolitical language in the Delhi Declaration underscores a message of peace and the importance of respecting international law and norms. India's achievements in the G20 summit are indeed a source of pride.
September 15, 2023
Managing the Intricate Indo-Canadian Relations amid the Khalistan Controversy
Tensions have escalated between Canada and India over the killing of a Canadian Sikh man, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has claimed that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar’s murder. Trudeau made a startling allegation in Parliament, stating that his government is investigating “credible allegations of a potential link” between the Indian government and Nijjar’s murder. He called it an unacceptable violation of Canada’s sovereignty and urged India to cooperate with the investigation.
Here’s what happened. In June, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was shot by masked assailants in a gurdwara parking lot where he served as president. The suspects remain unidentified. Nijjar's murder occurred while organizing a referendum among the global Sikh diaspora in support of Khalistan.
This incident comes against renewed Sikh separatist activity and India's efforts to counter it. The dispute has led to the expulsion of intelligence agency heads from both countries.
Let's take a close look into the background of Hardeep Singh Nijjar:
Nijjar had moved to Canada in 1997 and obtained Canadian citizenship in 2015. He was a vocal advocate for the Khalistan movement, championing the cause of independence for Indian-occupied Punjab. India has labeled him a “wanted terrorist” since 2016, claiming he was the chief of a separatist group called Khalistan Tiger Force. Notably, Nijjar was reported to have had affiliations with Dal Khalsa leader Gajinder Singh, who gained notoriety as one of the five hijackers of an Indian Airlines flight in 1981. Presently, Gajinder resides in Pakistan, adding a layer of complexity to Nijjar's connections.
While Trudeau has not presented concrete evidence of India’s involvement in the killing, he has assured that such evidence will be shared when the time is right due to the sensitivity of the situation. Reports suggest that Trudeau has shared some evidence with Canada's Five Eyes partners – a close intelligence-sharing alliance with the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand – but did not receive their support for joint action ahead of the G20 summit. The US has supported Canada's investigation but has not explicitly accused India.
Trudeau's accusation against India has significant diplomatic implications, creating geopolitical tensions. However, Canada’s key allies, including the UK and Australia, have signaled their intent to continue bilateral trade agreements regardless of the outcome of the investigation. The United States and the United Kingdom have cautiously supported Canada’s call for Indian cooperation in the investigation.
India vehemently denies these charges, dismissing them as absurd and motivated. India has long been concerned about Canada’s links to the Khalistan cause, and it has conveyed its grievances to Canada regarding its support to Khalistanis.
The Indo-Canadian dispute on Khalistan is a complex and sensitive issue. On the one hand, India has a legitimate concern about the Khalistani movement, which it views as a threat to its national security; but on the other hand, Canada is a sovereign nation with a right to freedom of expression and association. This includes the right of Canadians to support the Khalistan movement, a stance at odds with India's perspective.
The two countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, but the Khalistan issue has cast a shadow over this relationship. It has been no secret that pro-Khalistan groups in Canada have been quite active for the past few years. This has naturally strained India-Canada ties since New Delhi feels that Ottawa is lenient towards Khalistani supporters, though Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has denied it.
My own view on the dispute is that both sides need to be more understanding and respectful of each other's concerns. India needs to recognize that Canada has a right to freedom of expression and association, even if this means that some Canadians support the Khalistan movement. Canada, for its part, needs to be more sensitive to India's security concerns and avoid making statements that could be seen as endorsing violence or terrorism.
It is important to differentiate between the vast majority of law-abiding and peaceful Canadian Sikhs and a small minority of Sikh extremists. It is unfair to paint all Canadian Sikhs with the same brush, and it is important to remember that the vast majority of them do not support the Khalistan movement. I hope that India and Canada can resolve this dispute peacefully and diplomatically. The two countries have too much in common to let this issue damage their longstanding relationship.
September 22, 2023
Inner strength has kept India going
Will the new Parliament building usher in a fresh wave of vitality and wisdom among our Members of Parliament [MPs]? Predicting how our parliamentarians will respond to the architectural design and interior aesthetics of the new Parliament is difficult. However, it is plausible that the overall working environment could influence the mindset and productivity of the occupants.
Certainly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers a unique perspective on the structure atop Raisina Hill. He views the new building as a powerful symbol of our nation's democratic triumph in the face of doubters and naysayers. He believes that the new Parliament building will serve as a timeless source of inspiration for generations to come, despite the reservations expressed by some foreign commentators in the past regarding our nation's resilience.
I have consistently dismissed such apprehensions from doomsayers as exaggerated reactions to occasional deviations, often stemming from the shortcomings of specific leaders in certain circumstances.
True, the country has gone through the worst possible turbulent periods during the past 75 years. It has faced wars and proxy wars from across the border. Pockets of discontent may still exist in segments of society. Besides, infiltration of foreign mercenaries in the Valley and beyond often made things complex and explosive.
Often, one couldn't help but feel disheartened by the mismanagement of the nation's affairs by the ruling class, both at the Centre and in the States. However, even in the face of ominous indicators, our country has managed to remain united under a single flag, one constitution, and a shared emotional and cultural heritage. It is our intrinsic inner resilience that has consistently propelled the nation forward. There is an inherent vibrancy, optimism, and forward-looking spirit in the Indian ethos, regardless of which party or coalition leads the way.
Certainly, understanding the resilient Indian spirit that sustains national unity, transcending divisions of caste, creed, gender, and religion, presents a formidable challenge. India, against all odds, has nurtured a pluralistic nationalism that thrives in its diversity, encompassing a multitude of languages, religions, and ethnicities. Despite occasional challenges posed by regional and sectarian influences, the evolution and prominence of a secular, inclusive national ethos have effectively countered divisive forces within Hindu and Muslim communities.
In my view, the essence of the Indian spirit is the profound sense of unity that emerges, even in the face of significant provocations from certain quarters. The Indian spirit is, to me, invisible yet indomitable. Indeed, there exist numerous symbols of nationalism that hold the country in the silken threads of unity.
It is essential to emphasize that contemporary symbols of Indian nationalism are often centered around accomplished individuals. Take, for instance, the remarkable Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. He epitomized India's evolving identity, particularly in the context of missile technology. His religious background, in this context, became inconsequential as millions of Indians regarded him as a harbinger of India's nuclear prowess. Dr. Abdul Kalam, alongside luminaries like Dr. R. Chidambaram and a multitude of scientists, embody India's modern secular nationalism, one that transcends the boundaries of caste, creed, and community. They symbolize the emergence of a new societal paradigm and represent India's new Swadeshi spirit of self-reliance and indigenous power.
What stands out about Dr. Abdul Kalam is his educational background. Hailing from Tamil Nadu and of Muslim heritage, he received his education in a Christian college. He was a grassroots figure who never pursued higher education overseas, which surprised many. He ventured abroad only briefly, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to India. His story should inspire young Indians, instilling confidence in the nation's future.
Dr. R. Chidambaram, again, is yet another symbol of modern India. A Brahmin by birth, he, too, studied in a Christian college. He and Kalam represent India’s missile-cum-nuclear propelled nationalism.
This is not a novel phenomenon. Earlier luminaries such as Dr. Homi Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai played similar roles in shaping India's modern identity. These scientists contributed to Indian nationalism, offering a new focus that shifted from the cultural and spiritual leadership of iconic figures like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sri Aurobindo, as well as countless ordinary Indians who were prominent during the freedom struggle.
To propel the nation onto a fast track requires a clear sense of direction. The Indian populace possesses the potential to transform the country into a global superpower. To attain loftier objectives, India must uphold its rich liberal traditions and involve its citizens as equal partners in progress. The responsibility now rests with Prime Minister Modi to chart this course.
September 29, 2023