I take this opportunity to wish the readers of Hello Mumbai a Happy Republic day of India.
On this day in 1950, India got her constitution and became a truly independent and sovereign country. Now any Indian citizen can be elected to the country’s highest office. The current Prime Minister is an example from a tea vendor representing the biggest democracy in the world.
India, as an Independent country is playing a vital role in developing the modern world. From fighting terrorism to the battling against Covid pandemic and providing peacekeeping force to the UN to supplying Indian doctors, engineers, IT experts, scientists, teachers, etc. Most of the Bluechip companies in the world today are run by the people of Indian origin. In all, India has become a positive force, and the Indian diaspora is enriching countries, politically, economically and culturally wherever they have settled.
As we celebrate our Republic day, we must reflect and pay tribute to those selfless Indians who put their Mother India’s freedom above their families and own lives. Shaheed like Bhagat Singh went willingly to gallows to demonstrate to the colonial master that India’s independence was paramount and for that, they were ready to pay every price. Neta Ji Shubash Chandra Bose revived the Indian National Army to demonstrate the commitment of Indians to fight for freedom. He went to many foreign countries to mobilise support for India’s independence. Neta Ji sent a clear signal to the British that they risked mutiny by the Indian soldiers if they did not leave peacefully.
Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi allowed the British to negotiate India’s independence peacefully through non-violence means.
Sadly, the British left a sting in the tail by dividing India based on religion and created a rivalry between communities who had fought the war of independence as one. They had lived together for centuries and after freedom became bitter rivals. Millions of innocent people died in communal riots due to India’s division, including my father, and many million became refugees like my family in their country of birth. The same people have fought four more bloody wars since their independence with further loss of innocent lives on both sides of the border.
Finally, I wish to remind the readers that our freedom was gained by a long struggle and by paying supreme sacrifice by our father and forefather. We must remain united and live up to their dreams for India worthy of their love and sacrifices for us. Jai Hind.
Regards,
Lord Rami Ranger CBE
Baron of Mayfair
Input by Kamal Prabhakar UK Head
