The wise men who laid the foundation of Independent India took great pains to form a nation that gave a united platform to a diverse population

National loss

The wise men who laid the foundation of Independent India took great pains to form a nation that gave a united platform to a diverse population. A country that was formed on the basis of its unity and gave the freedom to all its inhabitants to speak the language they wanted, practice the religion they had faith in, inhabit the region they deemed fit, and cultivated the profession that was close to them.

To bring together this diverse nation under one roof, the wise men chalked down a set of national icons. They gave us a national language, a national game, animal, bird, anthem and more importantly national pride.

However, over the 60-odd years that we have been an independent nation, not only have we trampled upon that moral fabric, but also lost out on our pride.

With just over 1,000 tigers left in the country, we could end being called a nation of paper tigers

Our national animal has been hounded and hunted in all corners of the nation to the point of extinction. With just over 1,000 tigers left in the country, we could end being called a nation of paper tigers. The animal is killed for its skin and the high medicinal value of its bones, but what about our pride?

The peacock, our national bird, has met with the same fate as the tiger. Bordering on extinction, the feathered beauty has been restricted to textbooks and photo albums. Poachers have been killing the bird for its exotic feathers and selling it off in the grey market for a bomb. The bird is also hunted for its succulent flesh at the dinner table.

The national song, Vande Mataram, has witnessed several groups objecting to recite it. Terming it blasphemous, groups have staged several protests and even managed to have it pulled off from school assembly sessions. The issue once again, set out to divide a nation already battling with inner conflict.

While on the subject, Hindiu00a0-- our national languageu00a0-- has taken a beating from political outfits hell bent on divisive politics. Regional politics has gained ground, yet again using the national icon as a stepping block. An
elected member even refused to acknowledge Hindi as the national language on national television.

As a nation battling inner conflict, the country is on the verge of exploding. Over the years, several smaller states have broken free and there are more that are waiting in line. These issues are burning the country and if we don't act now, there will be nothing left to salvage but ashes.

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