And here we are at the start of 2020. Last year had a much more dramatic end than any other year with all the usual issues of roti, kapada aur makaan. It had some iconic and major changes that will be written in the history of India. With the subsequent win of BJP, our ruling party had set agendas or priorities to be achieved. The ruling party was at a slow pace in their first half, and at the start of their second phase, they decided to act on matters that were waiting for 70 years post-Independence at a lightning speed.
Out and out it was also a roller coaster for me personally, where I find myself, wrestling with my own personal and professional demons. I decided to head towards our capital city with this chaotic mind of mine for Youth Ki Awaaz Summit. A Summit that gave me insights into some of the serious and dreadful social issues that are far from a metropolitan dweller like me. Although, a rare combination of a chaotic mind in a chaotic city with tons of fear—for our capital was inhaling the polluted air, I was grateful enough to be safe and sound.
Yes, Delhi is inhaling impure air, but I felt more than that. There is courage in Delhi’s air; people are raising their voices in freezing temperatures on the street. There is politics in Delhi’s air. Every student, adult or a common man on the street had a voice, freedom and courage to ask, debate and decide what was best for their future. I felt these were some of the benefits of living in a democratic country. It does not matter at all on which side of the argument you stand; there was a voice in the air that struck a chord with me.
So now for the past couple of days, we, are protesting. Not to forget, freely raising our voice against CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and NRC (National Register of Citizens)—one of which is not yet in action, yet, have been understood by millions of our citizens overnight. I will not discuss or explain what exactly CAA and NRC mean because it has been explained and informed at all levels by now. Rather, I am unable to understand the unusual psychology behind some of these protesters who are yet to complete their graduation, still, their confidence is high to speak against a Bill.
Citizens who do not understand the basic traffic rules of not using their Mobiles while driving have all of a sudden understood what is CAA and NRC are. A country of Gandhi, who believed in cleanliness of one’s soul and their surroundings had to be reminded by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in 2014. However, now they understand the technicalities of both CAA and NRC. Astonishing, where we fail to educate our sons to respect women and make him understand about gender equality and population control, protestors are out on streets with their children to protest against the CAA. And with a reflexive action from the Police, the protestors start claiming that a minor should not be detained in case he/she is allegedly in conflict with law.
So, as a citizen, I want to know does our law permits any minor to be a part of the protest? When they cannot be detained by the police force, then they shouldn’t be allowed to throw stones at them. I wish to understand how throwing stones at the Police is justified as part of the law? Aren’t they violating the law?
The intention behind my thoughts is when we, as citizens of the largest democracy, stand and fight for our Fundamental Rights, how many out there fulfill their Fundamental Duties? I suppose only a handful of the population knows or fulfills their duties, rest just want their Rights.
I do not deny the fact that we need to raise our voices against the injustices by the government at some point of time and also make them realize that this democracy is for the people, of the people and by the people. We have elected them as our representatives to run our country and not divide it into pieces. Being a supporter does not mean that one should not criticize them.
At the same time, the protestors need to understand that burning our public property and disturbing the peace in the country will just make some noise, it will not help us move the government away from their wrong decisions. These days the internet is the lifeline for the masses, where we share and care about the world at large and everything that is under the sun. But the use of the internet is not just done for sharing and caring, we do read much hate, provoking messages to mislead the masses. Aren’t they supposed to be blocked at some point?
If having the Internet is our Constitutional Right, then is spreading hate and misleading messages our Constitutional Duty?
Months back we had a protest from Farmers of rural Maharashtra walking for almost 180 kms from Nashik to Mumbai for their demands, but it was least expected from the least privileged section of our society to protest so peacefully and in a responsible manner. While protesting, they were aware of how important it was to have a silent march in the country’s busiest city, where even a day of shut down would mean loss of millions to the country. Not a single Mumbaikar was affected by the protest, be it a student or an employee. Hence, it is up to us to decide whether we just to want to make noise or bring in the real change in our country.