On Entering The 21st Century

    The 20th century is expired. As if to coincide approximately. We have just now completed the sixty six  year of our freedom. It is, therefore, meet and proper to indulge in, what they say, mental stock taking.

It was around the middle of this century that we earned our much coveted freedom. We owe it to the sacrifice of many known and unknown patriots. We can not afford to forget mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, who was an ardent advocate of truth and nonviolence.

   While we have achieved self government, our dream of converting it in good government has not yet materialized. As we stand on the brink of the transition period, it is worthwhile to go into the cause of our failures on many fronts. Unemployment and illiteracy, overpopulation and pollution, crime and corruption are rampant in every walk of life. Despite efforts, nothing has been done to thwart their rapid growth.

   As if these obstacles were not enough, communal clashes and political rivalries have created doubts about the stability of our democracy. Time has come when we must pause, ponder and procrastinate. In a democratic set up, all are equally responsible for what happens in the nation. As Dr.c. rajgopalachari rightly remarked, "The quality of ladoo depends on quality of atta". In other words, he reiterated the oft-quoted maxim" people get the government they deserve."

   Considering the vastness and gravity of the prevailing problems it is necessary for our leaders to rise to the occasion. They must set an imitable ideal for others. They must be honest and sincere, free from corruption and full of patriotism. Ad Chaucer said- "if gold rusts, what can iron do".

  Corruption and dishonesty must disappear from the higher level. It is then that the common people will be encourage to be honest.Let us resolve as the century is coming to a close, to uproot all that is evil.

   Let us resolve to be loyal to the people and the country.As Tennyson has said "Ring out the old, and ring in the new."