In our management of organisational affairs and public functions we know that we can do with one rupee what others cannot with twenty. Even granting the fact that we shall have to implement our plans and proposals through machinery presently corrupt and inefficient, we feel confident. There is no lack of honesty in the existing personnel if we can touch the right chord and look at things from a human angle. We do not intend to drive a wedge between the Government servants and the people. Both working together can definitely lead the nation to greater heights – Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya, Critics of BJS Manifesto Replied, (Organiser, Diwali Special, 1961)
As the surveys and electoral trends indicate that the Modi led NDA Government continues to enjoy tremendous goodwill and popular support after completion of the its years. Very few Governments in the post-Independence Bharat could maintain or increase this kind of a popularity. By May 26, there will be sector wise analysis, report cards will be published and many numbers will be thrown to prove or disprove the success of the Government on various fronts, as per political preferences. Three years may be a too short a time to meet the high level expectations people have from this Government after years of dismal governance. What one cannot deny is the fundamental change that is brought in our system in the last three years.
Firstly, the small but sincere steps have significantly changed the political culture of Bharat. The system generally perceived as corrupt and inefficient is replaced with the motto of ‘reform, perform and transform’. From day one, the Government decisively waged the war against corruption and balck-money. The end of VIP culture symbolised by red and yellow beacons is another step with strong message. The way constructive suggestions got successfuly accomodated in the system with an efficient use of technology is unbelievable in the bureaucracy ridden democracy.
Task based work culture is another important aspect of this transformation. Whether taking a monthly review of the goals achieved by various ministries or pushing the banking system to give its best for opening millions of Jan Dhan Accounts, it is an assurance for the people that the same system can be put to work provided leadership the vision is ready to act with the same zeal. The major moral and strategic victory of Bharat in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case also underscores this point.
The most important aspect of this makeover is the discourse correction on Bharatiya culture itself. The Yoga and Ayurveda is getting recognition world over. The opinion of Bharat is being counted on all critical global issues. Domestically also in the discussion on issues of separatism in J&K, Red terror of Maoism and bridging the development backlog in North-eastern States, slowly but surely, voices of national unity and integration are getting prominence over fake screaming in the name of ‘human rights’ of criminals and terrorists. Mainstreaming the idea of Bharat through slogans, actions and intellectual churning is the best thing that has happened in recent times. The farcical campaign of freedom of expression being throttled or award wapasi was rejected by people themselves. The narrative built up in the larger intellectual space exposed these status-quoist forces.
The secret of this transformation lies not only in the leadership and the party but in the philosophical moorings of the people who are at the helm. Of course, leadership plays a critical role and Prime Minister has led with example but as he himself has reiterated many a times the ideological roots of ‘nation first’ approach could make this possible. The participatory appeal and approach as suggested by Pandit Deendayalji suggests that inculcating the sense of belongingness and invoking the uncommon abilities of common people is the real secret of this success.
Though we as a nation have adopted the right track under this Government, there are miles to go. To achieve the ultimate objective of taking our nation to the pinnacle of glory, learning from the past, working on the present and building for the future approach is critical. The Government can be instrumental in this process but as a society if we work in coordination with the system, we can accomplish the most difficult task, is the real learning of the last three years.
@PrafullaKetkar
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