Pledges from Red Fort, pledges by every Indian

The common man can help build an India of the future despite the country functioning in a difficult environment

India celebrated its 75th Independence day with great fanfare, flag flying, feasts, and festivals at home and abroad. It is indeed a great moment to review and to reflect on the occasion and also guide the nation going forward to meet the aspirations of all the people of India. India has accomplished a great deal in the last 75 years. However, a great deal still needs to be performed to deliver the essence of Independence on equality, equity, freedom, inclusion, and creating opportunities for most people at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

The Prime Minister in his celebrated speech from Red Fort outlined five pledges to focus on: Making India a developed nation by 2047; removing all traces of colonisation; taking pride in our roots and heritage; unity and integrity; and sense of duty among citizens.

These great pledges need much more clarity and a broader national conversation to socialise and institutionalise for implementation.

First, what kind of a developed nation do we want to be? Do we want a nation with high GDP and a few ultra-rich, like in some western countries, with high inequality, exclusion, poverty, hunger, injustice, violence, and unrest? Or do we want a developed nation with distributed wealth, with peace, prosperity, inclusion, happiness, and equal opportunities for all? Do we want a developed nation for a selected few or for all? This requires laser-like focus on the Constitution, democracy, diversity, freedom, equality, equity, and justice. Do we want clean air, potable water, and adequate energy first? This will require understanding and the implications of independent, autonomous institutions, engaged civil society, decentralised development, and a scientific mindset.

Second, removing all traces of colonisation can only happen if we treat those who are weaker well and abolish scavenging, child labour, the caste system, and male and high caste dominance in our system.

Third, while taking pride in our roots and heritage, we must let go of past prejudices and privileges to look at the future prospects for everyone.

Fourth, unity, and integrity are essential for peace and progress. Still, they will demand a deeper understanding and tolerance of religion, race, caste, customs, language, social status, etc.