Watching the swearing in of the 44th president Barack Obama, I was witnessing one of the most elated moments of history. It was a cause for which many gave their lives. We Indians should take a leaf and wake up.

ON JANUARY 20, 2009, Barack Obama was sworn in as the first African-American president of the United States of America, a country, which is united not by race, religion, sex or caste but by the spirit of being an American first before anything else.

 
It’s a proud moment for America and an inspirational story for all the other nations who believe in the strength of their constitution.
There is so much history and hope connected to this one man that predates the sanctity of equality of all, as the only law of land. Obama rightly said (in his inaugural speech) "This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”

 
And throughout the ceremony, I kept thinking, “If America can do it, so can India.” India’s survival as a unified country, and as a democracy, against immense odds- like poverty, surly neighbors and terrorism, proves that India has tremendous potential to abstain as a strong nation. And compared to America, India falls under the same footage as USA, when it comes to the survival instinct. Where democracy has failed in the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, China, there on the other hand, India under all odds has not only survived but progressed as a nation. It makes me only restore my faith back in the Indian Constitution and the powerful weapon of democracy. But my heart aches when I plunge in the history of recent times and see communal violence, fierce territorial disputes and pictures the of Gujarat riots, Delhi and Mumbai attacks dance in front of my eyes. And I wonder, why?
 
A country where technically 500 rulers of independent Indian kingdoms gave up their crowns to make the miracle of Indian democracy possible there on the other hand in the present political figures like Bal Thackeray have tried to create communal disputes to just fill up their vote banks. We as Indians have to realise the fact that we need to be united as Indians before we get divided as South Indian, North Indian or East Indian. America is an out right example of what a good leader can do. Somebody like Bush as a president only doomed the country, but a good leader like Obama has pinned hopes for a much better future for America. 
 
We, as citizens, have to make a conscious effort to use ‘democracy’ diligently and elect the right people to lead our nation. We threw British out of the country 62 years back, and for the sake of those who made that happen, we will not allow India to come in wrong hands once again. I call upon each and every citizen of India to dust off their jackets and shoes, for it’s time to go to war. A war to help ourselves restore and to be reborn as a unified nation. Jai Hind!