Mahatma's Legacy.
I am surprised that a keen observer like Suhas Palshikar saying that the Modi's cleanliness drive is a move to dismantle Mahatma Gandhi's legacy (IE., Oct.7). Sarvodaya and dignity of labour are the pillars of Mahatma's teachings. If Modi involves all sections of society in cleaning their surroundings, in what way it is against his legacy ? For the first time the poor have been empowered with an account in a bank with zero balance and with health and life insurance. It is a great step towards equality. Mahatma had given the politicians a talisman – will your action/policy empowers the poorest of the poor. With this criteria, all Modi's action up to now have to be applauded - his wooing Japan, China and USA to invest in India, his encouragement for manufacturing, his befriending the neighbours. Modi has said that the states should be partners in progress; he believes in federalism and decentralization. Modi has asked for 60 months to improve the living conditions of the people while we have given 60 years to the same politicians with the same policies which have not made much difference almost 400 million people – people below the poverty line. It is too early to judge.
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/cleansing-gandhi-of-radicalism/
October 7,2014.
