As we all know, there is a very specific term that is used to denote ardent supporters of Narendra Modi — BHAKT! Well, the term ‘Bhakt’ actually is a shortened version of the Sanskrit word BHAKTI, which is derived from the root word ‘bhaj’, when means “to share” or “to belong to”. Hence, the word bhakti itself means “love, affection, service, worship, piety, etc.”. Hence, the word bhakt is used as a reference for a worshipper, or a staunch devotee of God.
Of course, the connotation becomes even more relevant when someone refers to Modi-supports as “Bhakts”. What exactly do they mean? These so-called pseudo-liberals (who talk about freedom of speech but seldom respect or hear opinions contrary to their own) basically allude to ‘blind-devotion’ on the part of NaMo supporters. In other words, if you are a Modi supporter, you have become a Bhakt, who has blindly pledged the allegiance to a man, who according to them is the demon that will destroy democracy (or so they say)!
Well, I have always prided myself on being a rational and a scientific-thinking human being. I seldom let popular opinions shape my opinions and let rational thinking dictate my rationale. I am a Modi supporter…but before you accuse me of being a Bhakt, you need to read all my articles in totality. I have criticised the Narendra Modi government on issues that deserved criticism (for example, I levelled a fair bit of criticism at Modi for appointing Smriti Irani as the MHRD Minister); hence, I am hoping that you would hear my opinions too with an open mind…for it draws on my own personal experiences.
Of course, in several of my other articles, I have talked about how ‘digitization’ is one of the most effective measures put in place by the Prime Minister…in not only tackling the menace of corruption, but by helping make processes easier for the general public. Of course, it is one thing to write about it…but considering how much pride I take in my rational thinking process, I decided to test it out on my own. So, what did I do?
Well, my passport had expired (in fact, it had expired a fair while back) but I had been dreading the process. You see, the first time around when I had applied for my passport (some 12-13 years back), the bureaucratic process had been such an ordeal that I finally succumbed to the situation and approached a tout, who promised to expedite the process (in return for a minor thing called a bribe). Of course, after greasing his palm and waiting a while, I did manage to receive my passport. Phew!
Hence, needless to say…I wasn’t really thrilled about reliving the experience?!? Who after all — in their right minds! — wants to visit stinking dingy passport offices, only to be looted and harassed in the process. I, for one, did not! However, the researcher in me was curious! Had Modi’s digitisation really worked? Had the digitisation made the process simpler? Had it curbed corruption?
Armed with these questions, I visited the passport portal [www.passportindia.gov.in] and registered myself as a new user (a reasonably quick process that takes you under 2 minutes to register). After logging in, I was able to apply for a renewal in less than 5 minutes (another feat as compared to the hours I had to initially spend in the queue at the dilapidated passport offices of the past). I could even select my own appointment date (as per my convenience).
And now, comes the most amazing part…I finished my application process at the Passport Seva Kendra on June 1, 2017 and I had my new passport in hand on June 7, 2017 (P.S. – And mind you, I had not opted for the ’Tatkal’ service). To say that I was shocked would be an understatement…Coz the reality was simply this — I had my new passport in my hand in less than a week…and the man behind this efficiency was none other than the Prime Minister.
