By Fr Joshan Rodrigues –
As the country celebrates its Republic Day, the media conversation on television and in the digital realm is dominated by two principal subjects – the upcoming Assembly elections in five States and, of course, the third wave fueled by the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The latter, of course, is highly influenced by the first, with ruling governments both at the state and national level, as well as Opposition parties, paying mere lip service to the expected social distancing and safety protocols, especially in poll-bound states.
At the present moment, India seems to be beset more in shadow than in light. The bright spot has been the country’s success in conducting one of the world’s biggest vaccination drives in a short span of time – one year to be precise. India’s frontline workers have shown sterling courage and capacity in the midst of strenuous and exacting circumstances. We have been able to learn from previous ‘waves’ and ramp up medical infrastructure to avoid a repeat of the deadly consequences that were experienced during the second wave. While some may yet be critical of the country’s pandemic effort and approach, a global comparison shows developed Western countries struggling to cope with a wave of hospitalisations. India has done so much better.
However, this is a lone bright star on the horizon as we approach Republic Day this year. As we speak, the country is in danger of being imprisoned and asphyxiated by a naked majoritarianism that threatens to unravel the lofty vision of the Constitutional Fathers of our country, and the idea of a tolerant, inclusive and spiritual society that India has been known for in the annals of history. The idea of India seems to be receding in the global mindspace, borne out by India’s falling ranking in a number of areas such as freedom of the press, human rights, health, economic opportunity and religious tolerance. The world’s largest democracy doesn’t rank well even on democratic indices at a global level. This is bad news for a country that seeks to become a world leader.
One of the major concerns is the dual-faced approach of the incumbent government. While the nation’s Prime Minister consistently reminds us of his ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision, he is conspicuously silent when hate speech abounds, and there are open calls for genocide of minority communities, as witnessed recently at the Dharam Sansad at Haridwar last month. Attacks against Christians and other minorities have increased in the recent months, committed by right-wing ideologues, emboldened by a friendly government that looks the other way. Most BJP-ruled states have enacted stringent anti-conversion laws that appear to go against the secular and inclusive moorings of the Constitution of India. Enlightened and thoughtful Hindus would realise that such intolerance and hate-filled violence doesn’t augur well for Hinduism itself. History has taught us that an aggressive majoritarianism has a limited shelf life.
As the impending elections overshadow Republic Day celebrations, we are witnessing the familiar ‘dance of democracy’ with politicians of all shades and hues jumping ship to greener pastures, where they will be guaranteed a slice of power. Politics in modern India has shifted from an ideological conviction to blatant opportunism. To be a strong ‘Republic’, India needs a political class that sees governance as service, and is dedicated to the well-being of the least and most vulnerable in society. A country that cannot look after its poor and minority groups cannot lay claim to world leadership, leave alone its own. The country’s crackdown on human rights activists and NGOs that work for dignity of life and justice for the most vulnerable in society will only prove to be self-defeating. ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ needs to be a lived reality, not just empty rhetoric.
The synodal process that is currently underway in the Catholic Church, with its threefold aim of ‘Communion, Participation, and Mission’ is a shining example for civil society, and especially for those in governance. The synod is not just for the Church, but is the Church’s gift to the world. The principles of ‘listening’ and ‘journeying together’ are essential for a strong democracy and a tolerant, all-inclusive society, where each and every citizen feels safe, and is offered an opportunity for fullness of life. Through this synodal process, Christians can be salt and leaven in society, and Indian Christians can help build a Synodal India that is truly a ‘Republic’.
Fr Joshan Rodrigues is the Managing Editor of The Examiner, Catholic Newsweekly of the Archdiocese of Bombay. He is an alumnus of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome in Institutional and Social Communications. He has done brief stints with the DeSales Media Group in Brooklyn, New York and Communications Office of the Episcopal Conference of England and Wales, London. He frequently blogs on faith and culture on his wonderful blog: ‘Musings in Catholic Land’