INDIA RISES AGAIN

and used unconventional methods. He made full use of modern means—the printing press, modern communications and techniques of organization, and most importantly the concept of self-determination. These developments made it possible to organize an effective movement on a national scale without using arms. India proved to be a land of fertile soil for this kind of leadership and Mahatma Gandhi showed that it was entirely possible to achieve a great goal like national freedom without taking recourse to violence. In 1947, the world witnessed how India—without bloodshed—successfully won its independence. India’s freedom in 1947 remains one of the most remarkable phenomena of modern history. It successfully showed that it was possible to achieve any goal through peaceful activism, which meant eschewing the use of guns or bombs. This achievement taught a lesson to the entire world. In 1947, India not only won its freedom but also provided a lead to all nations that any goal could be attained without using arms. Another significant contribution made by India is the example of a person from humble backgrounds winning the general elections and becoming India’s Prime Minister. Narendra Modi was appointed as the 15th Prime Minister of India in May 2014. On September 27, 2014, he represented India on the global stage of the United Nations, from which he addressed the world. This was not just a personal achievement, but showed that the modern age has opened up opportunities so great in their scope that every kind of success can be attained, regardless of one’s background. The present age is considered to be an age of freedom, democracy, secularism and industrialization. In a single word, all these developments can be termed de-monopolization. In previous centuries, only the privileged few had a monopoly over opportunities; the common man had no share whatsoever in them. The modern age has broken the hold over these opportunities and has opened them up for everyone. Through its current Prime Minister, India has demonstrated the fact that we are living in a new age. Now, everything is for everyone. The only condition is that of competency. Although there will always be challenges and competition, if a person proves capable of meeting challenges, no obstacle can hinder his progress. It is human nature that deterrent punishment is essential for the maintenance of law and order.