15th August 1947

75 years ago India got independence from our colonists. The British left our country – battered, bruised and broken (literally). From being the golden bird (for the vast wealth our country had) to a partitioned, war struck country to a rising economic global power – India has transitioned through it all in the last 300 years. While we are doing better in some arenas, we are not doing all that great in some others and here are somethings I wish and want for my India –

1. Population control – if you are an Indian reading this, I am sure you couldn’t agree more with me about how most of our issues stem from our ever increasing population. Despite having vaccinated more number of people than the US (over 50% vaccinated), we have just been able to vaccinate 10% of our adult population. I hope us, the future generation, is able to change things by having fewer kids (or in my case – no kids) as well as educating those around us to have lesser children.

2. Be united irrespective of caste, religion, region – India has a beautiful amalgamation of so many different cultures. I really hope that we are able to look past all the differences and be united for a better tomorrow for our country.

3. Have an opinion – It really disappoints me when the masses don’t have an opinion on matters that impact the entire country because they don’t personally impact them. I really wish that we have more ‘woke’ people who have an opinion, any opinion, on the things happening in the country.

4. Younger leaders – I know most leaders across the globe are more aged (Joe Biden is 78!!??!!) but we need that to change in our country. I wish more youngsters choose to enter the world of politics and lead this country to our next phase. We need young blood (like Jacinda Ardern *claps for her*) to charter a path that focuses only on development. Honestly, I think no one above the age of 56 years should be allowed to become the Prime Minister. Also, all ministers MUST retire by the of 60 years old. This is the only way to ensure that younger people get a proper opportunity.

5. Stronger laws for government agencies – Police brutality has increased SO much in the past few years. Add to that all the never ending corruption (the amount of money the police must have made for themselves fining people not wearing a mask). The crazy fact is that there is NO action taken against these agencies. We need stricter laws for all government agencies.

6. Change in how the President is selected – We can all agree that the role the President of India plays is miniscule. But this structure helped to ensure that bills passed in the Parliament had a reviewer before they were implemented. Over the past few terms with the majority government placing their man in the chair (I think the last commendable president was APJ Abdul Kalam)- this review role has also become moot. Which makes me think that a revision is needed for how the President is selected.

7. Smash patriarchy – we are all DONE with patriarchy, we need an India where women are safer, freer and treated as equals to men. No more she was asking for it because “she was wearing jeans” or” she was out late at night”. No more expecting the woman to slave away in the kitchen and manage the kids. No more women taking their husband’s last name. No more child taking the father’s last name. We need more women leaders (Mahua Moitra – you go, girl!). We need more women CEOs (looking at you and up to you – Falguni Nayar). Let’s usher in the age of women power in India.

8. Sustainable India – Even as I type it I know that this dream is far far away from reality. But I hope all of us work towards a a greener, cleaner and waste free India.

Happy Independence Day!

PS: Check out my sustainable brand of products – Moksha. 🙂

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