When Patriotism Takes a Backseat to Politics

The recent Tiranga yatra event in Madhya Pradesh’s Singrauli district has left a sour taste in the mouth of many Indians. Twelve students fell ill after hours of standing and walking, allegedly kept waiting for over an hour by state minister Radha Singh before the event began.

The incident raises questions about the priorities of our leaders. Was this event truly about celebrating patriotism or was it another example of politicians using national symbols for their own photo opportunities? The fact that students were asked to skip breakfast and wait in scorching heat with inadequate arrangements for water and snacks only adds to suspicion.

Over 200 students from eight government schools gathered for the event, which kicked off at 9am and ended around 11:30am. They walked about 6km to reach Chitrangi market, where they allegedly waited for over an hour for the minister’s arrival. This waiting game put the health of the students at risk and exposed them to unnecessary discomfort.

The organizers claim that the wait was due to logistical reasons, but it’s hard to believe that no one foresaw the potential consequences of keeping children standing and walking in the heat for hours on end. The fact that some students developed breathing difficulties and had to be administered oxygen support before being rushed to a nearby community health centre is a stark reminder of the government’s failure to prioritize the well-being of its citizens.

This incident is not an isolated one. In recent years, we’ve seen several instances where politicians have used national symbols for their own gain, often putting the lives and dignity of ordinary citizens at risk. The 2019 Delhi riots, in which protesters were allegedly fired upon by police, come to mind. Or the 2020 farmers’ protest, where hundreds of people were arrested and detained without due process.

What’s striking about these incidents is the lack of accountability displayed by our leaders. In each case, they seem more concerned with saving face than taking responsibility for their actions. This culture of impunity needs to change if we’re serious about building a better India.

As we move forward, it’s essential that we hold our leaders accountable for their actions. We need to demand transparency and accountability from those in power, and ensure that national symbols are used to unite people rather than divide them. The safety and well-being of our citizens should always be the top priority, not the ego trips of our politicians.

The incident at Chitrangi market serves as a wake-up call for all of us. We need to ask ourselves: what kind of nation do we want to build? One where patriotism is reduced to mere photo ops or one that genuinely prioritizes the well-being and dignity of its citizens? The answer lies in our collective actions, and it’s time we started taking responsibility for creating a better India – one that truly embodies the spirit of the Tiranga.