- Sat, 31 Jul, 2010, 2:42 am -

Born and brought up in this wonderful country, I am proud of the very fact that I am Indian first and foremost and a Tamilian much later. I was born in Tamil Nady (Ooty), spent my infant days in Karnataka (Bangalore), and did my primary schooling in Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad) and 32 years of my golden years in the capital (Delhi). Now for the past 18 odd years I am in Jharkhand (Ranchi). Not even for a second till date have I been recognized as anyone other than an Indian and it makes me feel proud all over again. No where (as far as my memory goes), I have been asked to fill up my ‘statehood’ but only the nationality, which again I proudly write in bold letters as INDIAN.

These are my sentiments and sure of those other 100 plus crore citizens of our nation. Right from our school days we have been time and over reminded of the sacrifices and fights of our ancestors in providing us the status of being called an Indian. Even when we venture out on a foreign trip, the singular question asked is from which country we belong and not the ‘State’.

Our country’s constitution has been framed after lengthy deliberations and discussions, with the aim that there should be absolutely no disparity amongst the ‘countrymen’. There are definitely a different set of rules for foreign nationals. The constitution allows all the citizens of the country to pursue their work, studies or dwelling at any place in the country without any bias, prejudice or malice. Equality amongst all and no one above the constitution or law is the country’s motto.

Our country’s democratic process gives the right to vote for all eligible citizens. We elect our leaders/Parties of our choice through the ballot and the system is continuing successfully since our independence 62 years ago. Now the country is divided into 27 States, so that proper governance can be provided to all the citizens of the country at State level. The Central Parliament controls these State with the President as the head of the nation.

The political compulsions of certain Parties in certain States with total selfish motives have led to many an embarrassing situation. The current scenario in Maharashtra is a living example. Indians have been differentiated as Maharashtrians, Marathas and North Indians etc. etc. People of the other States have been mercilessly beaten up and terrorized by a set of political group, considering themselves as the constitution & law maker of the country. No doubt the democracy allows freedom of speech but any speech that would create even minimum friction in the unity and integrity of the country is termed as criminal and amounting to be named as ‘traitor’ invoking the strictest punishment.

The country’s democratic process gives the right to every individual to address their grievances but through the right forum and within the law. No body has been endowed with the power to take the law in one’s own hands and such acts should be registered immediately as criminal and legal procedure initiated against the Party/group/individual. No body should be allowed to feel that he has the right to do what he wants at gun point.

The activities of both Bal Thackeray and his nephew Raj Thackeray tantamount to these offenses and by this time put behind bars as per the country’s law and constitution. No body has given them the authority to speak on behalf of Maharashtrians. If they claim that, they are sadly mistaken as the very people of Maharashtra chose to reject them in the democratically conducted polls. Maybe the frustration of rejection is driving them to desperation but that cannot be used as excuse for pursuing their ‘Hitlerian’ ambitions.

Any leniency from the part of the law enforcing agencies towards such proclaimed offenders would spread a wrong message and may even act as encouragement to such people elsewhere in the country too. Then there would be no ‘India’ but 27 different countries.

A serious matter which should not just be glorified it on the TV channels but the need is for a collective voice from the nook & corner of the country protesting the likes of Thackerays. Even the people of Maharashtra would want to ensure that their name is not tarnished by such goons as they are aware that it is only a selfish political ploy these people are using to ‘poison’ the minds of blind supporters.

The likes of Thackerays should be termed as extremists. Why the Naxalites alone?

- P. Vijay Raghavan