ARE WE BORN SLAVES?

BY BRIG RS GREWAL

(THE AUTHOR IS A VETERAN ENGINEER OFFICER.

  THE TITLE IS APORTIONED BY ME BUT THE VIEWS 

  EXPRESSED ARE THAT OF THE AUTHOR. 

  THOUGH I DO NOT AGREE WITH EVERY THING WRITTEN     HERE, THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUS THAT WE ALL 

  NEED  BEWARE AND TAKE NOTE OF)

Webster Dictionary defines Fascism as :

"A way of organizing a society in which a 
  government ruled by a dictator controls 
  the lives of the people and in which 
  people are not allowed to disagree with 
  the government. 

  A political philosophy, movement, or 
  regime that exalts the Nation (Often 
  the race too), above the individual and 
  stands for a centralized autocratic 
  government headed by a dictatorial 
  leader; severe economic and social 
  regimentation and forcible suppression 
  of opposition."

We Indians have developed our own version of fascism. It is, perhaps, a consequence of centuries of subjugation that results in projecting ordinary human beings as icons and then worshiping them irrespective of their shortcomings and faults. Anyone pointing a finger at the icon is labeled as a traitor/antinational.

Indira Gandhi was worshiped as "Indira is India and India is Indira". A painful consequence followed in the shape of Emergency. 

We still did not learn a lesson. Even an Army Commander in his official address to the Jawans referred to Indira Gandhi as 'Mata Ji' and sang praises as if she was a Goddess. The Officer was rewarded with a gubernatorial post after his retirement.

Rajiv Gandhi was the next icon. Despite his justification of carnage in Delhi with his statement' "When a big tree falls the earth shakes" the country heralded him as 'Mr Clean'. It was the Bofors scandal that forced the Nation to sit up and think. But still he was honoured with Bharat Ratna and there was not a whimper from the media or the 'intellectuals' to object to the lowering of national standards. After all, he was an icon!

Even in the States, there are icons thrust on the people by the 'dynasties'. Badals, Yadavs, and many more.

At the Centre we now have Modi. BJP's spin doctors have projected him as an icon that has emerged to save India. So we now have people going gaga over his governance - they are mesmerised at the floating reports that he has forced the Babus to reach offices in time and has cut their extravagant expenditure! It is altogether a different matter that he is unable to overrule them on major policy matters. 

Anyone pointing out the corrupt practice of accepting a gift of Rs 10 lakh-suit is branded as traitor. The same suit is later auctioned and a businessman buys it. The same businessman later gets possession of Government land at throw away prices. That is the version of honesty - courtesy Modi Bhakts! 

No wonder Robert Vadra case has not progressed further. Modi objected to the then Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee writing letters (love letters!) to his counterpart in Pakistan in order to try and improve relations. But as PM he went one step further : Went to Pakistan to do it in person, by giving a 'Jadu ka Jhappi'! 

Were Modi's opposition to UPAs efforts in national interest? Modi Bhakts though would reply with a resounding 'YES'!!!

Despite having savoured independence for almost 69 yrs, we have remained slaves - 
only -
the masters have changed.