By Kumkum Chadha
On a recent trip on the Vande Bharat train, I was unimpressed by the breakfast options. The packaged upma seemed like a better choice than the train’s breakfast, so I ordered it. The waiter, cheerful and dressed in Indian attire, brought it quickly. Cost: around 300 rupees. I didn’t think twice about paying. But when I asked for a bill, the waiter hesitated. “No bill,” he insisted, claiming the machine was broken. It later became clear he pocketed the cash while marking the meal as “damaged.” This wasn’t just an isolated case; it turns out this practice was common among the staff.
Corruption isn’t new in Indian Railways, yet I hoped things would have improved, especially with the attention Vande Bharat receives. The Modi government often promises to tackle corruption, and I saw a glimpse of this when I tweeted about the incident. The response from the Railways was quick—I was grateful and hopeful that action would follow.
However, upon my next journey, there was the same waiter, serving packaged food and taking cash without issuing a bill. He even looked me straight in the eye, unbothered by my previous complaint. It was evident that while the optics looked good, little had changed at the ground level.
Interestingly, the focus of the Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has been on minor changes, like altering staff uniforms. He proclaimed, “We must find every trace of colonialism and banish it.” While he argues that the bandhgala coat is a remnant of British influence, many designers believe it’s a significant part of India’s history.
Prime Minister Modi aims to remove colonial vestiges from Indian life. He has even renamed landmarks and practices, striving to reconnect India with its heritage. Recent moves include the new Indian Navy ensign and the change from a colonial-style briefcase to the traditional bahi-katha for budget presentations. This trend extends to courts, where attire like lawyer gowns may soon change.
Historically, the bandhgala was linked to Indian royalty, worn by prominent figures like Rajput kings. However, Modi’s government is energizing the idea of “Indianness” across the board. The push for nationalism has grown alongside initiatives like the Tiranga Yatra, driving people to proudly display the tricolor.
Critics may debate whether these changes are substantial or merely cosmetic. Yet, Modi’s efforts to instill a sense of national pride have resonated with many. There’s a visible commitment among citizens to express their love for India, especially during events like Independence Day when the streets fill with the national flag.
While the call for a new uniform may resonate, real improvements are necessary to tackle the corruption and inefficiencies that plague services. Perhaps the government should prioritize substantial action over symbolic gestures for a genuine transformation in the Railways.
—The writer is an author, journalist, and political commentator
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