NAZIR JAHANGIR

Respected Narendra Modi Ji,
Honorable Prime Minister of India,
Aadaab!
I write this letter to you with the utmost respect and reverence. As our esteemed Prime Minister, you carry the hopes of 1.5 billion people, their eyes filled with expectations, particularly focused on your leadership. While it may be impossible for you to personally reach every individual, we trust your ability to empathize with the unheard, understand their struggles, and address their concerns.
At this stage in my life, having faced many of life’s trials, I may unintentionally express something that lacks the delicacy and respect a leader of your stature deserves. For this, I apologize in advance.
I address this letter with the hope that my words may reach you. Although some of my sentiments may seem harsh, they are penned with love and concern.
You often mention your humble beginnings selling tea and snacks. This honesty and resilience inspire many, showing that no form of work is dishonorable. Your acknowledgment of your roots brings hope and courage to countless individuals, demonstrating that dignity and determination are paramount.
However, consider if you had not become the Chief Minister of Gujarat or the Prime Minister of India but continued selling tea. At 75, with a worn-out body, wouldn’t you wish for a government led by a leader sensitive to the hardships of ordinary people, understanding that while a retired government employee enjoys a substantial pension, your aging limbs would still toil for a living? Wouldn’t you desire a leader who ensures that every elderly person receives comfort and medical care in their old age?
You refer to India as “Bharat Mata.” A mother cares for all her children, especially the elderly and weak. A nation’s leader, regardless of gender, should embody this nurturing spirit, providing for all, especially those in distress.
Your wisdom has elevated you to the position of Prime Minister, so it is not for anyone to instruct you on your duties. However, every citizen has the right to draw attention to their grievances and to the duties of the government, which is a fundamental right.
Isn’t it paradoxical that a person over 70 can be elected to govern 1.5 billion people but cannot obtain a driving license due to age? Shouldn’t we amend our rules to ensure all individuals over 70 receive adequate facilities and a decent pension?
History teaches us that societal injustice breeds tension, leading to destructive outcomes. When the powerful exploit the weak, peace and prosperity become unattainable dreams.
While it is commendable that government employees receive substantial pensions, why do we neglect those elderly who, lacking income in their old age, live in destitution? Carpenters, masons, traders, laborers, bus drivers, and auto-rickshaw drivers have all contributed significantly to our nation. Yet, they receive little in return, unlike their counterparts in government service. This imbalance cries out for justice. How ironical, the employees retired from Public Sector Undertakings, Corporations too do not receive any pension to support their old age.
I do not seek a pension or benefits for myself; by Allah’s grace, my needs are met. I speak for the ordinary elderly people whose struggles I have witnessed.
Allow me to quote an incident involving Umar ibn Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam. He once said, “If even a dog dies of hunger by the banks of the Euphrates, Umar is responsible.” Today’s leaders must adopt a similar commitment to the welfare of all, ensuring no one dies of hunger or lack of medical care.
Jaya Bachchan, despite our disagreements, once passionately spoke in Parliament about the plight of senior citizens, highlighting their lack of support. She pointed out that while elderly politicians receive benefits, ordinary senior citizens face neglect.
She proposed several measures:
A universal pension for all citizens above 60.
Concessions in travel.
Government-funded health insurance.
Prioritization of senior citizen court cases.
Senior citizen homes in every city.
Amendments to vehicle scrapping rules for seniors.
She hoped that your government, with its commitment to “Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas,” would address these issues. The recent electoral results might reflect the unmet expectations of senior citizens.
I hope my words receive your kind attention.
I would like to apologize once again if the words used in my letter were not appropriate for your esteemed position. However, what I wrote, I did so with sincerity and affection.
Very sincerely yours,
Nazir Jahangir