The queen’s necklace is mesmerizing as seen from Nariman Point high spots. Many people have been breathing clean fresh air while enjoying the sight of the sea and several lanes of cars opposite. The best song, “Leke pehla pehla pyar…” was picturised on Dev Anand and Shakila and the lovely girl who sang it will be remembered by the audience for years. Perhaps it was the same girl on whom another good song, “Ramaiya Vastavaiya…” was picturised with Raj Kapoor. The song “Jayen to jayen kahan” featuring Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik was also canned here. Not to forget Johnny Walker and Kumkum on Victoria chugging along Marine Drive. Morarji Desai also lived here.
Republic Day parade will be held on this same ageless Marine Drive. India is a democratic and socialist republic country. Socialism and socialistic pattern of the society have all been discussed and dissected but enough efforts have not been put for achieving this goal. The aim is to create a state where there is minimum disparity between the rich and the poor. Sadly, though we have made good progress as a nation in various fields but the gap between the rich and the poor has been increasing causing dissatisfaction which we witness on the streets. Our democratic rulers have lost touch with the masses. There is no connect between the people and the officials on one hand and the minister on the other.
The institution of the governors has been created in our constitution to provide an ombudsman for every state but here we see one of them sending “Parathas” to someone in clear violation of imposed section 144. Discipline must be followed first and rewards will follow. We must express gratitude towards our Armed forces, the Navy and Air Force who have been doing commendable work, both in war and peace. What a good example of capability and service we have noticed in Uttarakhand. Why should our Chief Ministers and the Ministers be any different?
The biggest threat to our internal security stems from the so called Maoists. Such incidents are occurring due to the government’s alienation from the masses. We have become accustomed to selfish behaviour forgetting the lesson of hard work and self sacrifice taught to us by our grand parents. Gandhiji and Nehruji never thought that India will become independent in their life time and they will reap any benefits out of it, not forgetting that they were highly qualified and proficient in their field before plunging in the national cause. What kind of socialism we see today, a red cap on politician’s heads (that too occasionally) but enjoying all luxuries and riches at home. Let us salute our men in uniform and take an initiative to become strong, united, disciplined and adhering to laws.