STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: That we (India) survive still is a miracle and that we are a democracy even more so. We have falsified the Pundits, but we still have much work ahead of us in the area of nation building.
This was stated by noted writer Dr. Ramachandra Guha while speaking at the 2017 Balraj Puri Memorial Lecture titled ‘India at 70: A Historian’s report card’ held at Jammu University here on Saturday.
Guha said that he would call Indian democracy’s 70-years a 50-50 success story. As far as political democracy is concerned, he said that India’s greatest achievement has been holding free and fair elections whereas on the negative side there have been increasing curbs on freedom of expression and a decline in the autonomy of public institutions.
In the area of social freedom, Dr. Guha mentioned that Indian experience has been better with the loosening of linkages between caste and occupation and the link between family and marriage.
“Women and Dalits are still discriminated and exploited but are less un-free now than at any time in the past 5000 years,” he stated.
Paying rich tributes to the work of Balraj Puri, particularly in forging peace in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab, he mentioned that he was a great patriot though his love for his country was not based on the need to hate any other country or any group.
The programme, that was jointly organised by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu and Institute of J and K Affairs founded by Balraj Puri, was attended by intellectuals, journalists, educationists, members of civil society and the faculty, students and scholars of the University of Jammu.
On the occasion, Prof. R.D Sharma, Vice-Chancellor University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest, who presented information about the economic report of India over the last 70 years.
Earlier in her welcome address, Prof. Satnam Kour, Dean Students Welfare presented detailed information about Balraj Puri Memorial Lecture and contributions of Balraj Puri in spreading peace and brotherhood.
Ellora Puri, Honourary Director, Institute of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs presented vote of thanks.
