For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go.
Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH
RANJEET SINGH, Jathedar, Akal Takht, TADA detainee for 11 years
I am an Indian because our ancestors and we have
sacrificed a lot for this country. No other state has
contributed as much to India as Punjab. And we are very
proud of it.
We think religion and politics are one. Not like the
politicians who take an oath to God to serve the country,
then say religion is separate from politics and loot the
country.
If he doesn't have religion, whom will he fear? There is
one flaw in us. We no longer have the values that should
be there in a Sikh -- to always help others. I feel bad
about the damage done to Hindus. How can we be enemies of
Hindus when our Guru sacrificed his head for their
well-being?
But the Government also needs to make us feel that it is
our country too. It doesn't feel like this right now. The
Golden Temple belongs as much to you as it does to me.
For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go. 
RANJEET SINGH, Jathedar, Akal Takht, TADA detainee for 11 years
