13 Oct 2026 | 08:54:50 pm
News32 India | extras
VISHWAGURU OR REALITY CHECK? A NATION BETWEEN PRIDE AND CRISIS
Between national pride and uncomfortable truths, questioning where the Indian Republic truly stands.
Two months ago we celebrated Republic Day, and in four months we will celebrate Independence Day. Thousands of martyrs sacrificed their lives to win us freedom, and thousands continue to sacrifice their lives to protect and preserve that freedom.
Seventy-seven years ago, India chose to define itself as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of governance. We waved flags, sang anthems, and spoke proudly of our Constitution. let us go beyond that. Let us honestly examine where our nation stands on the global stage—socially, economically, and morally—and ask ourselves whether the ideals we commemorate are truly reflected in the reality we live in.
India stands at around 134 out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index that measure reflects health, education, and standard of living, On the Global Hunger Index we’re at 105. Millions of Indians live near or below minimum living standards, studies show that nearly one in four Indians are unable to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, and housing. we’re witnessing extreme INCOME AND WEALTH inequality. The top 10% of the population holds nearly 77% of the country’s total wealth, while majority struggles with rising prices, unemployment, and shrinking social security.
proudly we celebrate that India has became the world’s fourth-largest economy, by crossing major global milestones under what is often described as “great leadership.”
but Globally we’re at 146 out of 196 countries in Nominal per capita GDP, exposing how little of this economic growth actually reaches the common people. But yes, we are told we have surpassed Japan.
एशियन गेम्स में भारतीय महिला क्रिकेट टीम का ऐतिहासिक प्रदर्शन, श्रीलंका को 147 रन से हराकर जीता गोल्ड
72वें राष्ट्रीय फिल्म पुरस्कार समारोह में भारतीय सिनेमा की हस्तियों को किया गया सम्मानित
स्वच्छ वायु सर्वेक्षण 2026 में लखनऊ अव्वल, यूपी के 16 शहरों ने बनाई जगह
गोरखपुर नगर निगम जुटाएगा 80 करोड़ रुपये, म्यूनिसिपल बॉन्ड के लिए 23 सितंबर से सेबी में पंजीकरण
खबरे
The moral crisis runs even deeper as well when we got to know that India ranks 131 out of 181 countries in the Women, Peace and Security Index. Rapists walk free with 73% of acquittal. 96th rank in corruption. 75% of healthcare resources are in cities, while 70% of the population lives in rural areas like 22 healthcare workers per 10,000 people.
Despite after all that high praises we lie around 151 position in the Press Freedom Index, yet we proudly call ourselves a “Vishwaguru”. Ironically, merely criticizing this so-called Vishwaguru mindset can put you at risk of being charged with sedition. You could even be jailed for more than five years without a trial. Meanwhile, just before elections, the government does not forget to grant parole to convicted rapists disguised as “DHARMIK babas.” Devotees celebrate figures like Asaram and Ram Rahim as symbols of DHARMIK VIJAY. The nation’s pride supposedly rises even higher when people like Dhirendra Shastri and MANANIYA VIDHAYAK & ex wrestling federation president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh openly support accused sexual offenders and convicted rapists like Asaram. & SENGAR.
We express sympathy for Hindus of Bangladesh & Pakistan, yet the deaths of 17 Hindus in Indore due to contaminated water barely matter.
We constantly speak about Kashmir, but remain largely unaware—or deliberately silent—about the Manipur violence that has continued since 3rd of May 2023, for nearly two and a half years.
We talk about saving the Aravalli mountain range, but fail to demand the release of an environmental activist who has been jailed for over 150 DAYS.
When farmers protest, they are labeled as ‘Khalistanis’, when students raise their voices, they are called ‘anti-national’, when Muslims protest, they are branded ‘Extremist', and when Hindus protest, they are declared ‘traitors’, It becomes evident that the some peoples in power are incapable of tolerating criticism.
We are living in a new India, even after 79 years of independence. Sometimes, things can put you at risk when you’re simply asking the government for ACCOUNTABILITY.
Nearly 80 crore people depend on free ration schemes for their survival, is this really something to be proud of ? Religious and caste-based discrimination is routinely visible.
There is an old Roman saying: “Give them bread and circuses, and they will never revolt.”
India is the only country where rape is reported—but justice is postponed. With more than nine out of ten rape cases pending, the system punishes survivors with waiting, not perpetrators with accountability.
Remember Ankita Bhandari, the 19 year old girl from Uttarakhand. They killed justice so slowly. Now even our tears are illegal.
And beyond that—RG Kar, Unnao, Bulandshahr, Noida, Delhi, Kanpur, and countless other cases. Yet, according to the latest NCRB data available (2018–2022), conviction rates in rape cases remain shockingly low, hovering between just 27% and 28%.
So, HERE’S MOMENT for our VISHVAGURU pride,
‘AEK HINDUSTANI HONE KI HAISIYAT SE YE SAB HAM LOGO KI RAGON ME DAWD RAHE KHOON KE AEK AEK QATRE KE LIYE JAHALAT KI BAAT’
Stand up. Speak out. Truth needs voices
--Prathmesh Bajpaayee