The new year is beginning. It’s a realisation that the country has changed so much. This is no longer the India we were born and raised in. We’ve even seen a time when, to talk on the phone, the exchange would first ask, “Number, please.” To buy a Fiat car, we needed a chit from the Chief Minister. The country even experienced famine and had to seek aid from the United States. We were attacked by China, but we also created Bangladesh. Since then, food, drink, and lifestyle have improved. In winter, almost everyone in North India is seen wearing a jacket. India is a rising power, recognised by the world, while many countries are trying to create obstacles. By destroying terrorist hideouts in Bhawalpur and Muridke in Operation Sindoor, we avenged what we couldn’t after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Operation Sindoor will be an important milestone in our strategic journey.
Donald Trump imposed illegal tariffs on us, but we withstood it. We made it clear that our foreign policy would be decided in Delhi, not Washington or any other capital. We have signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with Australia, Oman, the UAE, and New Zealand, but despite several rounds of negotiations, we haven’t signed one with the United States because we don’t agree to their terms. Trump has also realized that twisting India’s arm isn’t easy. His Trade Representative, Jameson Garir, has even admitted that “India is a tough nut to crack.” Trump tried to discourage IT companies from coming to India, but failed because: 1. The world’s fourth-largest economy cannot be ignored. 2. India has a vast market, and 3. India has the second-largest educated population after China. Recently, several major IT companies have invested in India. According to a New York Times report, companies like Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon are planning to invest $67.5 billion in India. This demonstrates their confidence in the strength of India’s economy, despite the Trump tariffs. The New York Times described India as “establishing itself as a global hub for data and AI infrastructure.” Our economy has doubled since 2014. A growth rate of 7-8% is commendable. There’s still a long way to go, but this government can pat itself on the back for economic progress. It’s surprising that instead of preparing the country for the future, it’s attempting to regress. Issues that have no relevance to today’s challenges are being repeatedly raised, creating tension in society. Recently, a controversy erupted over the lighting of lamps at the Thirupparankundram Temple near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, where a dargah is located nearby. For 100 years, the lamp has been lit away from the dargah. Now, there is a demand to allow it to be lit on a stone lamppost near the dargah, which the Madras High Court granted. The Tamil Nadu government has challenged this in the Supreme Court. I don’t have much knowledge of this matter, but the question is, how did this issue, which was unknown outside the state, suddenly become a hot topic? Mohan Bhagwat had said that we shouldn’t look for a Shivalinga under every mosque, but a leader of the Sangh Parivar has threatened to make it the “Ayodhya of the South.” The concern is that such controversies abound in the country. Will such issues be raised wherever elections are near?
The past year has sent a deeply disturbing message: forgotten controversies are being re-presented with a glossy gloss for electoral gain. Cultural regeneration is necessary, but it shouldn’t be achieved by inciting people to fight. Prime Minister Modi prayed at church on Christmas Day, setting a fine example of religious tolerance and coexistence. Yet, this very Christmas, some members of the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) instigated riots in several states. Mohan Bhagwat also speaks very well. But why is no effort being made to control the unruly activists of these organizations? How are rapists like Kuldeep Sengar reaching high positions in those who never tire of talking about values?
This is certainly not the country we grew up in. Riots happened even then, but they didn’t have the tacit consent of the system. Now, a certain class is being made to believe that they are not equal citizens. If bulldozers are to be run on the homes of criminals, why is it being considered whether the house belongs to a Hindu or a Muslim? We are rightly disturbed by the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, but minorities are being attacked here too. A new hateful India is emerging. Hatred is becoming a political weapon. In Bareilly, nursing students celebrating their birthdays were attacked and beaten by Bajrang Dal activists. According to the cafe manager, as soon as they entered, they asked, “Who are you, Muslim?” and started beating them. Why are such elements believing they are the saviors of society and have the right to take the law into their own hands? In Dehradun, some youths beat Angel Chakmaan from Tripura to death, calling him “Chinki.” He kept saying, “I am also an Indian.” What message is being sent to the Northeast? Why is such violence becoming normalized? Such attacks, whether based on religion, caste, or race, weaken the country. We do not want to become Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Pakistan. Why has an environment developed where we now hate our fellow citizens for past excesses? Despite good economic indicators, military strength, and democratic elections, there is unrest in the country.
Tension is evident on the streets. Why is it being perceived that past animosities need to be kept alive to move forward? The current government can be proud of its achievements, so it’s unclear why it can’t prevent old animosities from flaring up. Nations progress by looking to the future, not by digging up past grievances. Many fundamental problems—unemployment, inflation, poor education and healthcare, pollution, the need for clean water—still persist. The rupee is weakening. The tragic incident in Pahalgam and the explosion outside the Red Fort show that the enemy is active, but the nation’s attention is being focused on Hindu-Muslim or Hindu-Christian issues. Winning elections is not enough. What kind of society are you building? The past year has exposed many fissures. The tensions emerging over religion and caste are unprecedented. We were not taught hatred, which is now spiraling out of control. Decisions should be made in the long-term interest of the country, rising above politics. It’s rightly said that politicians think about the next election, statesmen about the next generation. When some militants tried to stir up controversy over Ajmer Sharif, Prime Minister Modi defused the dispute by sending a chadar there. More such efforts are needed. Prime Minister Modi has the political weight and popularity he can use to steer the country in the right direction. Today, Atal Bihari Vajpayee is remembered, who said, “Governments will come and go, parties will form and break. But this country must survive.” In 2025, another weakness was revealed: Parliament is no longer very effective. Shashi Tharoor has even said that “there is a possibility of a complete collapse of Parliament.” This may seem like an exaggeration, but there are daily uproars, but the urgent problems of the people are not discussed. A female MP even brought a stray dog to Parliament.
There have even been complaints about smoking e-cigarettes in Parliament. After COVID, pollution has become the biggest threat to health. But the Parliament, which spent 10 hours debating the 150-year-old Vande Mataram, didn’t have time to discuss pollution. What kind of “people’s representatives” are these? Perhaps they’re engrossed in their air purifiers! But the end of the year also offers hope. The Supreme Court has stayed its own decision regarding the Aravalli Hills. Mining will no longer be permitted on hills less than 100 meters high. Kuldeep Sengar’s bail in the infamous Unnao rape case has also been suspended. The Chief Justice has stated that even judges can make mistakes. This is a commendable display of judicial humility. These two incidents also offer the salutary message that if civil society exerts its influence, it can put a stop to an intransigent system.
