Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand.org.in | Jharkhand Forum | Jharkhand Forum

The collapse of Capitalism is visible not only in the so called 'industrially developed countries' of North American and western Europe but also in our own country India. During the last decades we saw how the capitalistically advanced countries ruled over the world first through colonialism and secondly through imperialism. By 'imperialism' we mean using their economic dominance, the imperialist countries controlled the whole world socially, culturally and most important politically. Most irrational decisions were made to wage cruel wars over sovereign nations under false excuses, millions of people killed and whole countries destroyed. All this was done in the name of "protecting and promoting democracy". Now the emptiness of capitalist prosperity is revealing itself.  Their giant companies and banks are falling to pieces. Their countries have incurred huge debts. Their trade deficits have gone beyond control. Every day thousands of permanently employed workers are losing their jobs. Their markets which used to be the show pieces of  their economic power are crumbling like houses made of sand.

The present government, the bureaucrats, the industrialists are trying to hide the truth from the people by saying that although India is affected, it can manage the crisis without much difficulty. The fact is India is not managing and cannot manage the crisis because it is also acting like the other capitalist govts. The reality is as follows: 

Indian economy  -  falling numbers   

[source: Hindustan Times, Ranchi edition, 27 Feb. 09]

Besides, the govt itself has accepted the fact that 5 lakh permanent workers in the organised sector have lost their jobs during the last six months.

Does this mean we are all going to perish along with the dying Capitalism?  Fortunately, No.  There are more humanising alternatives. And that is SOCIALISM, and that too Socialism of the 21^st century.

The values on which the Socialism of the 21^st century should be based are :  unity, equality, cooperation, co-existence, commonality, consensus decision making.

So we are not living in a vacuum where even as Capitalism is collapsing there is no alternative. We have solid examples of socialist efforts being made in some parts of the world. Let us Indians become brave of heart to bring about the Socialism of the 21^st century in our own country so all Indians can live as dignified human beings.

stan swamy

16 March 09