INDIA celebrated her 62nd Republic Day on Wednesday last, showcasing her military might and scientific achievements alongside cultural presentations representing her ethnic diversity. India’s achievements should be a source of inspiration for Guyana and other Third World nations. As someone noted, “like in ancient times, India is a leader in many aspects of sheer intellectual brain power, design, science, arts and culture, cheap effective technology, trade practices, entrepreneurship, corporate and government management, the military art and handling of vast internal human and natural disasters”.

The leading achievement of India is its abiding democracy. Many countries have slipped into authoritarianism after gaining independence. Unlike say when Burnham ruled Guyana or in most of Africa and Pakistan, India is one of the few countries where the army has consistently refused to interfere in the political process and has insisted on loyally upholding the law as interpreted by the judiciary.

This is the main factor that has strengthened India’s democracy that has had no equal in the third world.

And in India, anyone can become the president or prime minister of the country, a minister of government or a chief minister or chief justice.  Although 82% of the country is Hindu, people from other faiths (including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians) have served in the highest positions.

Democracy has served the interests of the nation. As one writer penned: “The price paid by the sacrifice and the blood of innocent victims and faith in democracy have helped India to emerge from the depths of colonial past, poised to take its place among the modern nations…to be one of the great powers of the 21st Century”.

As an achievement, India has adequately coped with many adversities – wars (against Pakistan and China), starvation, massive population growth, the restive and angry poor, foreign promoted terrorism, natural disasters, corruption, etc. In spite of many problems, the country remains stable and is growing robustly – over 8% annually over the last decade.

From a food importer, twenty years ago, it is now a food exporter. From droughts, it now produces enough fresh water.  From blackouts, there is relatively adequate electricity.  From sending students to study abroad, it has one of the largest bases of professionals in the areas of medicine, science and technology supplying the developed countries.

Today, India sends astronauts and space ships to the moon. It has developed its missile system to defend the country. It has the third largest armed forces with experience of combat in diverse terrains.

India is a nuclear weapon state with a defined doctrine of ‘no first use’.
And India is a responsible power that does not seek to dominate or exploit weaker nations.

India has made a serious contribution to international relations and to helping poor countries in peacekeeping, channeling technology to promote development, and billions of dollars in aid annually.

Guyana has been a recipient of large amounts of aid including the Providence Stadium and the soon to be constructed modern hospital.

India’s contributions to the world puts it in a position to play a leading role in international affairs, as it stakes a claim to become a permanent member of an expanded UN Security Council.

The achievements of India after 61 years as a republic make people of Indian origin proud. These achievements were celebrated in the massive colourful parade on Wednesday that was flagged off by President Pratibha Patil who had, as her guest, the President of Indonesia.

At Rajpath, the main thoroughfare, there was an endless procession of regiments, bands, cavalry, artillery tanks and modern missiles, interspersed with schoolchildren and tableaux depicting various personalities and the country’s diversity.

Rabindranath Tagore was among the focus areas of tableaux. Saving the environment was a focus in this year’s parade with a floral depiction urging people to “Save Earth”, which would please President Jagdeo who has been pushing the low carbon pathway.

Another float sought to spread the message of sustainable livelihoods. And there was one showing the country’s effort to develop new drugs and ensure affordable health care, which should interest Guyana and poor countries.
Thanks India for your achievements, your assistance to Guyana, and a magnificent parade.