Workshops

Date : August 27, 1997

Subject : India at 50 - Challenges and Response

Location : Andhra Bhawan, New Delhi

Welcome Address

Mr. Virendar Mohan Trehan, President, FANS

Chief Guest

Dr. Karan Singh

Launch

"Independence Diary" - Dr. Karan Singh

Vote of Thanks

Prof. Aktharul Wasey

Speakers

Mr. Syed Sibtey Razi, MP
Mr. Sushil Kr. Shinde

Conclusions

Too many of us are concerned with finding faults with each other and the Country. We are always clamoring for Fundamental Rights ignoring the Fundamental Duties which each citizen is supposed to perform.
It is a fact that we have survived for 50 years in spite of three Wars having been thrust on us.
We have to a large extent been able to contain militancy and ensured geographical stability of the country.
We have made tremendous progress in Agriculture, in Technology, Development in Industry and host of other areas. Economic opportunities have increased manifolds.
In spite of the progress our educational standards are abysmally low. Even after 50 years of Independence, our literacy rate is below 60%. We must adopt more rational approach for higher education, strengthen primary education and give more emphasis on vocational training to make more and more youth employable.
Population bomb is ticking. Baby boom is nibbling at the extra wealth generated. Unemployment is increasing leading to unrest amongst the youth. Imaginative measures have to be adopted to control population.
De-link Religion and Politics.
Stop criminalization of politics. An Act should be passed in the Parliament to ensure that no party will field a candidate with criminal background.
Political stability is a pre-requisite for progress and development. Political reforms are a must to improve the quality of democracy.
We should be proud of our ancient culture and its spirituality. It is this quality which will place India ahead of all so-called developed nations in the next 50 years.