As the 76th Republic Day dawns on a nation of 1.4 billion hearts, the question before us is not one of celebration but introspection. What does it truly mean to be a Republic in the India of 2025? What do the tricolour and the Constitution represent when juxtaposed against a society still grappling with deep-seated inequalities, simmering social conflicts, and an economy caught between remarkable innovation and heart-breaking layoffs? The preceding year, 2024, has left us with much to ponder. It was a year that oscillated between inspiring moments of progress and disheartening instances of regression, a duality that reflects the complexities a common Indian experience today. While achievements like India's successful space explorations and strides in renewable energy painted a hopeful picture, the shadows of communal violence, caste-based discrimination, and gender-based violence reminded us of the long road still ahead.
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Among the most harrowing incidents of the year was the tragic case of a 31-year-old medical resident at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her brutal rape and murder shocked the nation, sparking outrage and a flurry of protests across cities. Yet, it also laid bare the systemic failures of law enforcement and the judiciary, as delays in filing charges and ensuring justice perpetuated a culture of impunity. The incident symbolised not merely an individual failure of governance but a collective moral failing—a society unable to guarantee safety and dignity to its women. On a similar note, in the realm of press freedom, the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh was a chilling episode. Chandrakar's body was discovered in a septic tank, bearing severe injuries consistent with a blunt-force attack. His death underscores the perils faced by journalists in small-town India, where exposing corruption and malfeasance can be a death sentence. This incident is not isolated; it reflects a broader pattern of threats and violence against the press, challenging the very foundation of our democracy.
Yet, in the face of such adversity, journalists across the nation continue to pursue truth with unwavering determination. Independent media outlets and investigative reporters are leveraging digital platforms to shed light on issues that mainstream narratives often overlook. Their resilience is a testament to the enduring spirit of free expression in India.
Adding to the societal turmoil, caste-based discrimination remained a persistent scourge, manifesting in both overt violence and subtle systemic bias. In Uttar Pradesh, a 14-year-old Dalit girl was repeatedly assaulted by upper-caste men in a case that highlighted the vulnerability of marginalised communities to intersecting axes of oppression. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court deliberated on a plea challenging caste-based discrimination in jails, a disturbing reality where prisoners from marginalised communities were forced into degrading labour based on their caste identity. These incidents underscore the grim truth that caste, a relic of India's past, continues to haunt its present. The dissonance between constitutional ideals and lived realities has perhaps never been more glaring. Yet, even amidst these disheartening stories, glimmers of hope persist. Grassroots movements led by Dalit activists and community leaders are challenging the entrenched social hierarchies and demanding the equality promised in the Constitution.
The Republic's promise of equality is further undermined by communal conflicts that have taken an increasingly violent turn. In 2024, the violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands, reducing homes and lives to ashes. Internet blackouts and delays in deploying law enforcement exacerbated the crisis, leaving the affected communities to fend for themselves. While the conflict laid bare the deep-seated ethnic tensions in the region, it also revealed the failures of governance in preventing and managing such strife. The situation in Manipur is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of communal polarisation that threatens the fabric of Indian society.
Economically, 2024 was a year of dichotomies. On the one hand, India celebrated significant advancements in science and technology, with successful launches of space missions and strides in renewable energy. On the other hand, the country's labour market suffered a massive blow, with layoffs in technology and start-up sectors leaving thousands jobless. These layoffs, coupled with rising inflation, created an atmosphere of economic uncertainty, particularly for the middle class. Small businesses, the backbone of the Indian economy, faced immense challenges as the government failed to meet disinvestment targets and address structural inefficiencies. Yet, even in this climate of despair, the entrepreneurial spirit of Indians shone brightly. Women-led enterprises, rural cooperatives, and small-scale industries demonstrated resilience and adaptability, proving that hope and ingenuity are integral to the Indian ethos.
As we approach Republic Day, it is essential to reflect on what this day truly means. It is not merely a commemoration of the adoption of the Constitution but a reminder of the values enshrined in it— justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. These values are not just ideals to be celebrated but imperatives to be realised. The Republic is not a static entity; it is a living, evolving project that requires the active participation of its citizens.
This Republic Day must be more than a display of military might and cultural diversity; it must be a moment of introspection and renewal. It is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the ideals of the Constitution and to work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society. The challenges before us are immense, but so is our capacity for resilience and innovation. The story of India is not one of despair but of hope—a hope that lies in the courage of its people, the strength of its communities, and the vision of its youth.
As we celebrate this Republic Day, let us recall the words of Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote, "Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark." These words resonate deeply with the spirit of India—a nation that, despite its struggles and setbacks, never ceases to hope, to aspire, and to sing.
(All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
