In the earlier years of independence, we dreamt of flourishing green fields, work for every individual and roof over every head. We dreamt of a world, where children would not be exploited and education would come knocking at their doors. So also, the sick would be cared for and the hospitals would provide a bed for those in need. Industries would develop and villages would see more small scale and cottage industries come up. However, this was not to be. In spite of all the achievements in agriculture, industry, medicine, science and technology, a large majority of people still suffers from some inadequacy or the other.
Communalism and religious funda-mentalism are assuming monstrous proportions. Politicians, who were given the responsibility of governance, are themselves bleeding the country. Educational institutions have become the citadels of corruption. Law enforcers demand their pound of flesh. The poor have no say in the courts of law and the acute poverty of the farmer leaves him with no choice but to commit suicide.
Self-seeking middlemen siphon off the overwhelming contribution made by the public in times of natural disasters and communal violence. There does not appear any semblance of humanity anywhere. Corruption has spread its tentacles in every sphere of life.
In the name of protecting religion and culture, godmen are being initiated into politics. The ever-growing importance of English language has relegated all Indian languages to the background.
In short, the entire environment has been vitiated. Inspite of all this, the country is still alive and ticking. This means that there are still some life- saving souls around. My hope rests on these souls. 

—Devesh Thakur