The stability and success of the government is possible only after moral and spiritual cleansing, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji
Recently, an article, written by the chief economic advisor of the Government of India, Towards a $5trillion economy, which was published in a leading English daily raised a lot of questions and hopes and made headlines across global media. However, even after the media hype, the common man remains as confused as before. The political fraternity must understand that in the 21st century, where the average voters of India are aged between 18-35, a mere enunciation of national policy objectives, which reads like a wish-list, would no longer work out in their favour.
The approach, however laudable, has to be backed by giving up political and personal antagonism and animus and must be supported by substance and records. The methods of governance have to provide a framework in which the complete political class, undividedly, can work on national issues like poverty, illiteracy, disease, pollution, unemployment and numerous others. Let the politicians bid adieu to personal prejudices and beliefs that have proved to be debilitating and costly for the country to the extent that Swaraj has become a distant dream.
Today, every Indian, rich or poor, hopes for a political leader who could act as a role model. The recent past has turned out to be horrific for the country as politics has become synonymous with corruption, exploitation and discrimination on the basis of caste and religion, hypocrisy and double-speak, egoism, lust for power, and some false promises. Some small alliances have also become tools of big parties for swinging them back to power, for toppling the state governments that have been formed by a different party or for ruining the chances of an opposing party from gaining power. So, it is time that we clear this corrupt, stained image of politics as it needs to regain its lost respect and faith among the people so that they don’t lose the remaining interest in the government and their methods.
Can politicians, who always claim to be the ‘servants of people’, not make some sacrifices for their motherland? Can’t they save their country from sliding down further into the morass of divisionism, ill-will and energy-draining activities, returning to co-operation in constructive and consensual ways? However, is it possible to end the morass and bring back social transparency and accountability without morally educating the masses?
When news channels show that the new government will be building more houses, creating opportunities for employment in rural areas, making primary education compulsory, providing free drinking water to the citizens, and making India a hunger-free nation in the next five years and so on — the news is welcomed by all. But one must first question where would the money for these schemes come from. How would these be funded? Also, even though in such cases money is usually raised by broadening the tax-base, would it be possible to make these benefits reachable to the deprived masses? That too, without delays or any kind of inefficiency from the bureaucracy, which has led to leakage of the funds. So is it really possible?
We all wish that these goals should be achieved and that the new government attains stability and success. But with a small note of caution — without moral and spiritual cleansing, Swaraj would remain a far-off goal.
