In 1965, India was attacked by Pakistan. At the same time, there was a scarcity of food grains in the country. The then Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' to enthuse the soldiers to defend India and simultaneously cheered farmers to do their best to incRead more
In 1965, India was attacked by Pakistan. At the same time, there was a scarcity of food grains in the country. The then Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ to enthuse the soldiers to defend India and simultaneously cheered farmers to do their best to increase the production of food grains to reduce dependence on import.
Evolution Of The Slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”
- In the early 1960s, India suffered some major setbacks. It underwent severe droughts. Also, it had to be involved in forced wars with China and Pakistan.
- Food buffer stock had depleted to dangerous levels. The US also stopped its food aid.
- The wars had drained the scarce resources it had.
- Economy got stagnated due to poor industrial production and problematic balance of payment.
- The repercussions were threatening to the survival of India as a nation.
Significance Of The Slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”
- Steps taken under this slogan brought new dynamics to India.
- The Green Revolution was one major outcome that removed Indian dependency on others for its food.
- It helped it recover its reputation at domestic and international fronts. India had suffered a moral breakdown at both fronts for the losses in the Indo-China war in 1962.
- Self-sufficiency in food helped India to focus on other sectors of the economy.
- In addition to improved defence status, it helped India to build up independent diplomacy worldwide.
Goals Not Yet Achieved
- Though India became one of the largest food grain producers, it is also a bitter truth that India is home to one of the largest hungry populations in the world.
- Farmers’ issues are one of the most neglected sectors, ineffective policymaking. Agrarian crisis and farmers’ suicides are a persistent problem.
- Grievances of soldiers are not sufficiently addressed. Food quality, necessary equipment and other aspects are neglected.
- It is estimated that the number of soldiers dying due to harsh weather conditions is more than the number of soldiers dying in the border battles.
Steps Taken By Government
- Recently reforms were done concerning armed forces, especially in areas of grievance redressal.
- Recently, parliament passed the bills leading to sweeping reforms in the agriculture market to give more freedom and choice to farmers.
- PM Fasal Bima and PM Kisan are some of the steps taken to support farmers.
- The recent initiative of One Nation One Ration card is also a big step ahead in eliminating hunger.
- Existing POSHAN Abhiyan, Mid Day meal schemes, schemes related to women and children’s health and nutrition are also being made more efficient.
In terms of the quantity of material achievements, India successfully realised the dreams seen under the slogan of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. But stark realities of farmers and soldiers ask us to reconsider the efficiency of our policies and approach. Farmers and soldiers both are working to keep India safe and sound, therefore India should not let them unsafe and shattered.
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Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an eminent social reformer, played a pivotal role in the upliftment of the Dalit community in India. One of his most significant contributions was his relentless fight against caste discrimination. Born into a Dalit family, Ambedkar experienced firsthand the severe social ostracizRead more
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an eminent social reformer, played a pivotal role in the upliftment of the Dalit community in India. One of his most significant contributions was his relentless fight against caste discrimination. Born into a Dalit family, Ambedkar experienced firsthand the severe social ostracization and inequalities faced by his community, which fueled his determination to bring about change.
Ambedkar’s efforts were manifold. He led campaigns advocating for the rights of Dalits, including access to public resources like water and education, which were traditionally denied to them. His leadership in the Mahad Satyagraha of 1927 was a landmark event, where he asserted the right of Dalits to use public water tanks.
As the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar enshrined fundamental rights and safeguards for marginalized communities. His work ensured that the Constitution abolished untouchability and prohibited all forms of discrimination. He also championed the reservation system in education and government jobs, providing Dalits with opportunities for socio-economic advancement.
Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party in 1936, which later evolved into the Scheduled Castes Federation and eventually the Republican Party of India, focusing on political representation for Dalits. His conversion to Buddhism in 1956, along with thousands of his followers, was a powerful act of protest against caste-based Hindu practices and inspired many Dalits to seek spiritual and social liberation.
Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy is enduring, as his efforts laid the foundation for the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for Dalits in India.
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