INDIA is celebrating its 76th “Republic Day” on January 26, 2025, marking the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. The celebrations include a grand parade in New Delhi, featuring a spectacular display of the Armed Forces and cultural tableaux. The President of India hoists the national flag and delivers a speech, while brave citizens and soldiers are honoured with prestigious awards. The theme for Republic Day 2025 is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development). This theme celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage and the significant progress the country has made in various fields.
While India has a lot to celebrate, however, this Republic Day, there are also some grievances which include economic concerns about the rising cost of living and inflation, affecting their daily lives. High unemployment rates, especially among the youth, continue to be a significant issue. Farmers have been protesting for better prices for their produce and more supportive agricultural policies. There are ongoing concerns about social inequality and the need for more inclusive policies to support marginalized communities. Some citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the current political climate and the need for more transparency and accountability in governance.
India has made remarkable progress in various fields, but it continues to face several challenges. Corruption remains a significant issue, affecting both public and private sectors. It hampers economic growth and undermines trust in institutions. Despite improvements, illiteracy rates are still high, especially in rural areas and among women. This gap limits opportunities for many individuals. Access to basic sanitation is a major concern, with 700 million people living without toilets, leading to health issues and affecting education, particularly for girls. India faces a severe water crisis, with many regions experiencing water scarcity and contamination. High unemployment rates, especially among the youth, pose a significant challenge. The healthcare system is under strain, with disparities in access to quality healthcare between urban and rural areas. Inadequate infrastructure, including roads and public transportation, affects economic development and daily life. Social inequalities based on caste, gender and economic status persist, affecting social cohesion and development.
While the Republic Day in India is a celebration of democracy, diversity and national unity, Indian minorities often face several challenges, including discrimination in various forms, such as unequal treatment in employment, education and housing. Despite constitutional protections, minorities sometimes find themselves underrepresented in political processes and decision-making. Economic inequalities persist, with minorities often having limited access to resources and opportunities. There is pressure on minorities to conform to the dominant culture, which can lead to the erosion of their unique cultural identities. Instances of violence and harassment against minorities can occur, fuelled by communal tensions and prejudices.
On Indian Republic Day 2025, Muslims in India face several challenges. There has been a rise in attacks and violence against Muslims following the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These attacks have included physical assaults, vandalism and arson targeting Muslim communities and their properties. Additionally, there are concerns about increased religious tensions and the marginalization of minorities. Many Muslims feel that the current political climate is making them feel like second-class citizens.
Muslims in India have faced increasing marginalization under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Since Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, there have been several policies and actions that have disproportionately affected the Muslim community. For instance, the controversial citizenship law has the potential to render millions of Muslims stateless. Additionally, there has been a rise in communal violence and discrimination against Muslims in employment and education.
Modi’s government has also been accused of promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda, which has further alienated the Muslim population. The use of inflammatory rhetoric and policies that seem to target Muslims have led to widespread protests and international condemnation. The situation remains complex and deeply rooted in historical tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in India. The marginalization of Muslims is a significant issue that continues to shape the socio-political landscape of the country.Kashmiris in India face a range of challenges, many of which stem from the region’s complex political and historical context. The revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy, has led to significant political and social upheaval. This move has been seen as an attempt to integrate Kashmir more fully into India, but it has also been criticized for undermining the region’s autonomy and eroding the rights of its residents. There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses in the region, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture. The heavy military presence and frequent curfews have also contributed to a climate of fear and repression. The economic situation in Kashmir has been adversely affected by the ongoing conflict and political instability.
Many Kashmiris face unemployment and poverty, and the region’s economy has been further strained by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. The Indian government’s policies have led to concerns about demographic changes in the region. The introduction of domicile laws and the influx of non-local residents have raised fears among Kashmiris about losing their cultural and political identity. The frequent internet shutdowns and communication blackouts have made it difficult for Kashmiris to access information, communicate with loved ones, and conduct business. These restrictions have also hindered the work of journalists and human rights organizations. The ongoing conflict and the associated human rights abuses have taken a toll on the mental health of Kashmiris. Many people in the region experience anxiety, depression, and trauma due to the constant state of uncertainty and violence.
These challenges highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the situation in Kashmir. It’s a deeply rooted issue that requires careful consideration and a balanced approach to address the concerns of all stakeholders involved. India’s economic growth slowed to near two-year low of 5.4 per cent in the July-September quarter due to poor performance of manufacturing and mining sectors as well as weak consumption so a reality check is necessitated.
—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.
(sultanm.hali@gmail.com)
