RESOLUTION FOR A NEW INDIA: Reinvigorating the Fight Against Poverty and Inequality

THE IDEA OF INDIA is an amalgamation of many struggles, contestations, quandaries and paradoxes that have, since time immemorial, shaped its principles, emboldened its political communities and empowered its people.

- P.M. Jawaharlal Nehru.

“More and more it is being realised in other parts of the world that we in India are engaged in a mighty adventure. To build up this country and to solve the problems of poverty and unemployment in a democratic way on this scale is something that has not been done anywhere.” — Jawaharlal Nehru

Our first Prime Minister, in his many letters to his Chief Ministers, expanded upon the duties of a government towards the nation and its people, emphasising upon nourishing the democratic ethos in the country. Seventy-five years ago, when our Constitution was enforced, our first President echoed that the Republic of India was guided by the tenets of liberty, justice and ensuring equality to its 359 million people (a number that has since risen). Years later, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Indian independence, Prime Minister Deve Gowda highlighted that the fruits of development should be distributed equitably and the government’s commitment to social justice. These ideals, as espoused by our leaders, have gone a long way in consolidating democracy in our country and making it resilient to the many challenges we faced in the course of the last seven decades. It is these principles that shape our country today – the India of the “New Age”.