Writing to The Prime Minister: A Wonderful Learning Experience!

It was an ordinary Maths double period at school yesterday when our co-curricular activities in-charge walked hurriedly into the room. We were surprised! The Dussehra break had just come to an eventful close the day before yesterday and we hadn't really expected the organisation of a co-curricular activity so soon after the reopening.That's when she made the big announcement. A firm declaration was made that a friend of mine and I had been chosen from our section of ninth grade, to represent the school in a letter writing competition. Of course, we thought that this would just be another of those competitions where they wanted to see your writing skills and just how wide your boundaries of the ever-growing English vocabulary could possibly stretch to. However, the next piece of news stunned us! We had been chosen to express our 'Mann Ki Baat' in the form of a letter which would directly be sent to The Prime Minister!

'Mann Ki Baat' had been organised as a monthly radio programme, launched and hosted by the Prime Minster, Mr. Narendra Modi himself. He viewed it as an effort to reach out to the very remotest of areas, thatched houses hidden amongst the wilderness of the Far North-East, or perhaps the slums strewn in various parts of the country; for those who didn't have access to television  networks and those who simply couldn't afford buying a television. A radio, though regarded as an ancient device by many today, is still a common sight and can be found in many homes across India. He addresses the nation on different social and economic issues, ranging from the strengths of our cultural diversity,  saving the girl child, the various opportunities which can be dug out in the fields of entrepreneurship to the protection of all girls and ladies. Many citizens lend ears to this monthly programme conducted for his expression of ideas to the Indian residents when it is aired on radio. It is a time where the people can truly sneak a peek into the thoughts of their chosen leader.

It seems, that this time, the PM wanted to listen to student-opinions upon his work hitherto, and also play auditor to their suggestions. He has always said that students are the most valuable resources of any nation in the world today, for they are the emerging youth, the future of the country! We were nervous and excited all at once, and simply couldn't decide on the way in which we would put across our views, for we were writing to the Honourable Prime Minister, who is a distinguished thinker and orator!
When we reached the location where we were to write the letter, we were in for another surprise! Uptil till then, we had thought that we would be granted the freedom to write on any social issue that we wished to express our opinion upon. However, a list of 8 topics upon which the PM had delivered his impromptu speeches were provided to us, from which we could choose any one. All the topics were wonderful and each had points which could be elaborated. I finally made up my mind and chose : 'India's Strength Lies In The Unity Of Diverse India and Simplicity of the Indians'
Thereafter, we were provided with an inland letter and thus, due to the restriction of the size of the sheet, I wrote a brief summation of my thoughts. Here is a slightly expanded version of my letter to Mr. Modi:


Respected Prime Minster,
I, Harshita Kale am a ninth grader, and believe myself to be a responsible Indian citizen. India is a richly diverse country, with people from all walks of life living together in the same community in perfect synchronicity and harmony. Each sect worships a different deity, speaks a different language and different attires adorn bodies. Hundreds of religions are practised in this nation. We, as citizens are not aware of them, but tribes and adivasis have their own different set of laws and religions. Having grown up amongst the fierce clenches of Nature, they are worshippers of natural elements and believe each aspect of Nature to be able to take up a form of the Almighty.
A few months ago, a huge issue debating upon 'Indian intolerance' has risen in various parts of the country. New, but temporary barriers had been created which has resulted in the eruption of riots and the wreaking of havoc in many parts of the country. It cannot be hidden under pretence, some Indians certainly were violating the Fundamental Rights of others. It should be kept in mind that although we do not support and are not in favour of a certain practice, we should raise our voice, but in a diplomatic and tactful way, taking care of not hurting others, especially where dress, faith and eating habits are concerned. This lack of tact had led to explosions of anger in many minds. However, after this commotion had begun to die down, tweets had rained down from all parts of the globe, standing in opposition to this debate. They said:" India may well be one of the most tolerant countries in the world. Despite hundreds of social and cultural differences threatening to divide them, their living together in joy and happiness is a matter of immense astonishment!" I quite stand by this to some extent.

If we indeed were intolerant and against the harmonised survival of people of different groups of society, a deep crack of hatred and repulsion  would surely have been created in the vast lands of India till now! Pillars of diversity support our nation and even though decades have passed since our independence from colonial rule, these pillars have not eroded or worn out due to natural causes like different mindsets, illiteracy and lack of awareness. In fact, their strength may well have enhanced! An example of such iron-strong bonds of friendship can be found amongst the soldiers of our Armed Forces. People from different castes, races, religions and financial backgrounds have enrolled into the Army. However, no barriers separate these jawans. They defend the same cause and fight for the same beloved country. They celebrate as well as mourn together. Festivals regarding all major religions are looked forward to eagerly by all the soldiers and are treated with the same regard and respect! Within the cities and towns too, all the people get together during festive seasons. All grudges are forgotten, people forgiven and citizens thronging to celebrate together. After all, who could possibly be sulking away when there is so much fun to be had, the happiness increased by everybody celebrating together! Indians are held together by our soulful, diversified unity!

Today, each country is the world is engaged in a massive rat race. Everybody wants to set higher goals, perform better at international events and achieve every little thing faster. In this wild goose chase, the world has forgotten the happiness derived from homely comforts. In today's Indian village; technology, mobiles and the Internet have certainly touched and made a change in the villagers' lives. However, their true form has not changed, it is static and has been unalterable as yet! A classic village scene: Women are quietly going about their chores, stopping occasionally to chat with their friends; farmers hard at work, tilling in their fields, returning home to enjoy wholesome home-cooked meals; traders and shopkeepers bargaining with buyers and schoolchildren merrily making their way to school. Of course, this doesn't mean that they are not aware of the happenings in the world. It's just that they prefer a simple life, untainted with the stress-filled journeys of the cities.
We Indians make do with whatever we can get our hands on. We could relish on snacks at a simple street side shop, or feast on tasty meals at local dhabas. We don't exactly promote the high cultures required of fine dining by eating away with our hands! What more do we want- meals to nourish, a roof over our heads, clothes to drape around our bodies and a bed to rejuvenate.
Respected Prime Minister, I admire and look up to your ideas and unique perspective of  our large population and diversity; as an asset and strength rather than a liability. Many Indians like me, also support your initiative of the 'Make in India' campaign which remains true to the simplicity of Indians.
Of course, India is also a worthy contender in this race. However, its roots run deep  and have not been gnarled and gnawed away by the tensions of today.

There is lot more that can be expressed upon this topic and these were just some of my thoughts that spontaneously occurred after pondering.  I hope all of you find this letter expresses the aspirations of our nation and lends colours to the beautiful soul and heart of India...our Bharat Mata.