oday the nation celebrates the 75^th independence anniversary, a milestone in its own right given the struggles and hardships and the perseverance in the face of it all. There have been many instances during the decades-long journey when for legitimate reasons refrains symbolising the difficulty and the sensitivity of the times were popularised in political rhetoric. In many other instances, these were used as pretexts to derail the democratic process. Seventy five years later, while some of these still continue to be used, there is greater awareness – even amusement – among the people regarding the presumption that such rhetoric may be taken on face value.

It is sadly no exaggeration to state that the country is in the throes of a worsening economic meltdown and continued political instability. Given the difficulty of the current times and those that lie ahead, the polarisation of political ideologies and toxicity of the ongoing rhetoric serve little to persuade the people of a hopeful future. The father of the nation believed in the vibrancy of a functioning democratic state. That state has not quite materialised so far – far from it. It is time to take stock and see where and how the nation and the state faltered. To begin that process, we need the realisation to sink in at the top. The introspection has to begin with the leadership – civil, military and bureaucratic. A collective realisation coupled with a collective will and steps in the right direction can steer the country out of the socio-political and economic mess it finds itself in.

May the spirit of unity and prosperity steer the nation ahead.