And for a Friday after Droupadi Murmu was sworn as 15th President of India, some thoughts….. some musings…..
Where else in the world, which other form of Government could such an orderly, peaceful and a hugely complex election process finally bring into Presidential office a woman of such exceptional human qualities. Every Indian can be proud of the country and the maturing of its democracy in such a short span of only 75 years. Mayurbhanj District in eastern state of Orissa, is one of the most backward districts of the country. Picture a girl child born into a poor tribal Santhal family there. What challenges and impossible obstacles this young soul would have endured. To be the only girl from the entire village and santhal tribe, not only to do her schooling, but go on to complete her college graduation !! And climb the political ladder to become the Governor of the state of Jharkhand. And ofcourse, on Monday, take oath as the First citizen; the supreme commander of the Defense services; President of the Republic of India, the worlds largest democracy.
Her deep commitment to sustainable development was well articulated. “I was born in that tribal tradition which has lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. I have realised the importance of forests and water bodies in my life. We take necessary resources from nature and serve nature with equal reverence. This sensitivity has become a global imperative today”. Madam Murmu is undoubtedly an accomplished personality with unwavering confidence in her competencies and way of life. She lost her husband, 2 sons, mother and brother in a short span. But with her innate inner strength and meditation techniques, she has weathered life’s every challenge. An ikon and a beacon of hope and confidence, not only for the poor, downtrodden, backward and tribal citizens of our country, but to each one of us.
From a nation dependent on American PL 480 wheat to feed its citizens, we are today one of the largest agri/food exporters and totally agriculturally self sufficient. Let’s raise a toast for our new President and promise to build our nation, the sustainable way, the harmonious all inclusive way, the SEEGOS way.