Of all the subjects I studied in school, the one that is most useful to me in my adult and professional life is English. The least – the subject I hated the most – Maths. I have also not found any use for the sciences, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, and for Community Living and Religion. And what has been a big letdown and is now obsolete and utterly irrelevant is the National Pledge. Students recited it before the start of class every morning. Let me remind you…
“India is my country and all Indians are my brothers and sisters. Having such a rich and diverse heritage makes me proud of my country. My goal is to always be worthy of it. My parents, teachers, and all elders deserve respect, and I will treat them with courtesy. I pledge my loyalty to my country and my people. The only thing that makes me happy is their prosperity and well-being.” It was printed on the opening page of our textbooks alongside a picture of Mahatma Gandhi.
Much later I learned that the National Pledge, an oath of allegiance to the Republic of India meant to develop a nationalistic spirit in citizens, was composed in Telugu by writer Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao in the year of 1962. Gandhi had nothing to do with it. Though every student imagined it was his famous words. Today, on the eve of our 75th Independence Day, the National Pledge is only a reminder of how we got our independence from British rule. Nobody takes it seriously. Or means it.
The Times of India in an editorial today recollects that our independence was a dream. But since then India has forgotten to dream. Prosperity and harmony are still a work in progress. We have become hierarchical and ghettoized. Full of social conflict. We cannot freely choose who we marry, what we eat, wear, or watch on our screens. The greatest resource of India is its people. Sadly, a handful of black sheep among these people have forgotten the National Pledge. In 70-odd years they have regressively pushed India back.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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