I am sorry that the vision that I had of Free India was much shattered due to partition; It was supposed to solve the Hindu-Muslim problem; but it has, on the contrary, worsened it. The creation of Pakistan has posed the greatest danger to our security; it has disestablished our economy and the incursion of the so-called Jehadis is doing enormous damage to communal harmony.
Still I hope we shall be able to overcome all these hurdles and rebuild India as the bastion of peace and broad humanism, which has been our ancient heritage. Democracy has taken firm roots in our soil; but I visualise that as time passes it will be cleansed of all the evils which beset it today such as criminal influx into it, corrupt practices and the infusion of muscle power. There will also be better understanding especially between Hindus and Muslims and a genuine effort at reconciliation and unity. Indians have intelligence and aptitude for hard work as they have proved by their excellent performance abroad; these will be better harnessed now, with the result that India will be able to get rid of its poverty, disease and unemployment and emerge as one of the greatest powers in the world. As Tagore had said, with slight variation by me:

Into that heaven of prosperity
My Father, let my country awake!

—Dr. Rafiq Zakaria