Dear Readers,
It can’t be said enough. This past week will go down in Indian, American and global history for witnessing two of the biggest upsets ever, in two of the world’s foremost democracies! Most are still reeling under these two national predicaments – ‘Indian Notes’ and ‘US Votes’, but while the former hit all Indians as an unexpected surprise and should settle down in a couple of weeks, the latter proved to be a rude shock and threatens to eclipse the American democratic spirit for the next four years.
The Indian PM invalidated Indian currency notes of denominations Rs.500 and Rs.1000 as a measure to break the thriving black money racket, for India’s economic betterment and as an indirect protective measure against terrorism which has been infusing the Indian markets with fake currency. Expectedly, since the PM’s televised announcement, most of the nation has gone into a frenzy. But largely, everyone has welcomed the move. The opposition, staying true to its core, has opposed this move, as it usually does every move, citing the inconveniencing of the common man, the poor, unsuspecting junta. I’m thinking, in the name of eradicating black-money and heading towards a cashless economy, it is the common man that will benefit the most. So this much inconvenience is alright to bear.
Not-so-redeemable, however, seem the US Presidential elections, where in a completely unprecedented turn of events, the US voted in Republican candidate, Donald Trump as its 45th President – a man perceived largely in a negative light, accused through his campaign for having an undeniable and continuing history of authoritarianism, misogyny, racism, divisive politics and lies. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who was as certain as the global community of winning the elections, lost. She won the city votes but Trump reigned supreme in sweeping the suburban and country/rural votes. It was a close call, for the most part and it shows that the US is torn through the middle. No one really imagined how angry, unhappy and divided the nation has been. Trump’s win has outraged the US, its media and caused financial jitters with global markets falling, as also apprehension amongst international allies based on his unpredictable outlook towards the US military’s global commitments and international economic partnerships.
It’s ironic to note that Trump’s shocking rise to power is the outcome of democracy, and yet, it is this rise to power that now most threatens the very spirit of democracy itself! We will explore what this augers for India in our oncoming issues. But for now, what’s done is done. We have to look forward and hope that both moves – ‘Of Notes’ and ‘Of Votes’ – will deliver their respective promises, that of a ‘Swacch Bharat’ – clean of the black money menace; and of ‘Making America Great Again’ – creating jobs for American citizens and effectively combatting terrorism.
But it would be naïve to miss one of the biggest takeaways from it all – the wonders and the upsets of the highest levels that can be caused by the unabashed show of “Peoples’ Power”. When people decide to unite and share one voice, it can change the order of the day.
Have a good weekend!
-Anahita
