As we step out of 2023 and look forward to the new year, 2024, it is justified to look back at the year we have lived and witnessed. While some might look down upon it negatively, this exercise should be considered critical.

We realize that we have accrued a significant deficit in social, political, economic, and diplomatic realms in the national and international spheres. One thing leads to another, and it has led to a trust deficit. Countries are feeling hesitant to plan ahead and steer forward. 

The Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022 continues without any end in sight. The two countries involved and their supporters have brought terrible harm to Ukraine. As someone commented, all these supporters are trying to dispose of their practically expired ammunition! From the onset, the UN should have seriously attempted to solve the problems between the two countries. Trying for a cease-fire is useless when the real war has advanced too much.

Similarly, in Gaza, the issue should have been solved diplomatically. We notice a diplomatic deficit in these two wars in the West and the Middle East.

Had we employed a diplomatic attitude, much could have been achieved socially, politically, and economically. Considering the current situation, the UN, which supposedly represents all the countries, feels like a sham. Its enormous infrastructure worldwide and the considerable amount of resources to maintain it are wasted if it fails to develop plans for peace and development. Peace seems only to be a UN fantasy. In modern times, can we list any significant subject the UN has successfully encountered and brought to a finale? 

We find a considerable trust deficit. In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, when a vast majority of 141 of 193 countries passed a resolution in strongest terms directing Russia to pull out from Ukraine, Russia vetoed it !! See the giant might and total weakness of the UN!! It has no teeth!! The soul of the UN had vanished long back!!

Hitting closer home, during the winter session of the Indian Parliament, to suspend nearly 150 elected members of Parliament and legislative assembly is totally wrong. In a democracy, it amounts to ignoring the voice of the people who hold the power to govern the country. This amounts to a trust deficit. People’s demands have to be addressed. Any elected member is to speak for the people; they are not employees. In case of a severe violation, they could be punished but never suspended from the Parliament or assembly for a whole season. Here again, we see the trust deficit. Little wonder India is running in social, political, economic, and diplomatic deficit. Naturally, India has no right to complacency! It is totally foolish to boast of the nation’s progress. What we need is to live the sacred preamble of the Indian Constitution and work out democracy by the people, with the people, and for the people and thus, deficit turns to credit.