Answer the following in two or three Sentences each:
1. Why does Ambedkar describe the Draft Constitution as a formidable document ?
Ambedkar describes the Draft Constitution as a formidable document because it contains 315 articles and 8 schedules. The constitution of on country is so bulky as this Draft constitution.
2. Which are the two crucial matters the constitution in general has to deal with ?
First, what is the form of the government that is envisaged in the constitution; and secondly, what is the form of the constitution? These are the two crucial matters the constitution in general has to deal with.
3. In what way a parliamentary Executive differ from a non-parliamentary Executive ?
A Parliamentary Executive being more dependent upon a majority in parliament becomes more responsible. But, a non-Parliamentary Executive being independent of Parliament tends to be less responsible to the Legislature. A Parliamentary Government must resign the moment it loses the confidence of a majority of members of parliament, but in a non-Parliamentary system, the Executive cannot be dismissed.
4. When it comes to the assessment of the responsibility of the Executive, how does parliamentary system differ from a non-Parliamentary system ?
In Parliamentary system, the assessment of responsibility of the Executive is both daily and periodic. The daily assessment is done by members of Parliament through questions, adjournment motions and non-confidence motion etc. and the periodic assessment is done by the electorate at the time of the election which is concluded every five years. A non-Parliamentary system of government does not offer this opportunity.
5. What are the similarities between Indian federation and the American Federation ?
Both the Indian Federation and the American Federation have a Dual Polity. Under the American constitution the Federal Government is not a mere league of the states nor are the states administrative units or agencies of the federal Government. in this respect, the Indian Federation resembles the American Federation.
6. What are the points of difference between the American Federation and the Indian Federation ?
In the U.S.A Dual Polity is followed by dual citizenship - the citizenship of the U.S.A and the citizenship of the state. But in the Indian Federation, there is only a single citizenship and that is the Indian citizenship. Under the American constitution, each state is free to make its own constitution, provided it is in conformity with the Republican form of Government. In India, there is only o9ne constitution for the whole of India.
7. What are the means adopted by the Australian Constitution to make its Federation less rigid ?
The Australian Constitution confers upon the Parliament of Commonwealth large powers of concurrent legislation and few powers of exclusive legislation. Some of the Articles of the Constitution have been made temporary 'until Parliament otherwise provides'. These are some of the means adopted by the Australian constitution less rigid.
8. What are the special provisions included in the constitution to overcome rigidity and legalism inherent in our Federation ?
In order to overcome rigidity and legalism, our constitution has a long list of subjects for concurrent powers of legislation. With regard to the exclusive powers of legislation, it extends to 91 matters whereas the Australian Parliament can legislate only on three matters. In this way, the Indian Constitution has the greatest possible elasticity in its federalism.
9. What are the means adopted in the Draft Constitution whereby India will have a Federation and at the same time uniformity in all basic matters?
In order that India will have a Federation and the same time uniformity in all basic matters, the Draft Constitution has provided three means : 1) a single Judiciary, 2) uniformity in fundamental laws, civil and criminal; and 3) a common All-India Civil Service to man important posts.
10. How does Ambedkar answer to the complaint that there has been inordinate delay in the drafting of the constitution ?
Refuting the charge that there has been inordinate delay in the drafting of the constitution. Ambedkar refers to the size of the constitution of America, Canada and South Africa which are much smaller than India's. Secondly these countries did not have to face the problem of amendments. They were passed as moved. the Constituent Assembly of India had to deal with about 2,473 amendments.
11. How does he reply to the charge that the Drafting Committee was a 'drifting committee' ?
Ambedkar replies to the charge of Mr. Naziruddin that the Drafting Committee was a drifting Committee by pointing out that the committee was never drifting without mastery over the situation. It knew its business well. To be in search of something better is not the same as drifting.
12. what were the factors that helped the task of the Drafting Committee easier ?
The task of the Drafting Committee was made easier because of the co-operation and hard work rendered by great scholars like Sir B.N. Rau, the members of the Drafting Committee, Mr. S.N. Mukherjee, the chief Draftsman of the Constitution. Ambedkar praises the work done by the members of the staff working under him.
13. Who were the rebels in the Constituent Assembly ? Why is Ambedkar grateful to them ?
The rebels were Mr. Kamath, Dr. P.S. Deshmukh, Mr. Sidhva, Prof. Saksena, Pandit Thakur Das Bharagava, Prof. K.T. Shah and Pandit Hirday Nath Kunzru. Mr. Ambedkar is grateful to them because their suggestions were valuable and served to enliven the proceeding of Assembly.
14. Why does Ambedkar say ' I shall not therefore enter into the merits of the Constitution' ?
Ambedkar feels that however good a Constitution may be it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. On the other hand, a bad Constitution will turn out to be good if those who are called out to work it, happen to be a good lot. Thus the working of the Constitution does not depend wholly upon the nature of the constitution.
15. What are the main grounds on which the Constitution is being condemned ?
According to Ambedkar, the communists condemn the constitution because it is based upon Parliamentary Democracy. The socialists condemn it because they want the authority to nationalise all private property without payment of compensation. They also want the Constitution absolute and without any limitations so that they would have the unlimited freedom to overthrow the state if they fail to come to power
16. What are Ambedkar's justifications for giving the centre certain overloading powers to be used in an emergency ?
The residual loyalty of the citizen in an emergency must be to the centre and not to the constitution states. It is because only the cenrtre can work for a common end for the general interests of the country as a whole. Besides, in an emergency, they should take into constitution, alongside their own local interests, the opinions and interests of the Nation as a whole.
17. Comment on the abrupt opening of Spenser's 'One day I wrote her name .........'. ?
The opening of the sonnet is peculiar to Spenser's trick and artistry. His uneasiness and anxiety are expressed in the way he opens the poem. There is no room for elaboration and hence no scope for metaphorical extravagance. That is why the abrupt opening of the sonnet.
18. How does Spenser create the ambience of tender love in his sonnet 75 ?
His lover says that she is liable to decay and perish like the writing in the sand. But the poet declares that he will makes her name eternal in his poem and write her name glorious in the havens. he creates the ambience of tender love through the masterful trick of great range of vowel sounds within a single line.
19. Why is the lover worried about mortality ?
The lover writes the name of his love in strand, but it is washed by the wave. He writes again with a 'second hand', but that also is washed away by the tide. The lover is worried with the though that his love will also be washed away in the sweeping tide of time.
20. What does the word secularism imply in the Indian context ?
In the Indian context, the word secularism implies all inclusiveness, religious, pluralism and peaceful co-existence. It is sarva dharma samabhavana which means equal respect for all religions expounded in Upanishads.
21. Why was there no blood shed in the name of religion under the feudal system ?
Under the feudal system, there was no bloodshed in the name of religion because there was no competition between different religions. They co-existed in peace and harmony though at times inter religious controversies did arise.
22. State the reason why Ashoka and Akbar have a place of great significance in the religious life of India ?
Ashoka's edicts clearly spell out policy of religious tolerance and Akbar used to hold inter-religious dialogue among followers of different religions. He followed the policy of tolerance and even withdrew the jizya tax on Hindus.
23. What was the approach of Sufis and Saints to the power structure of their time ?
They were highly tolerant and open to the truth in other faiths. They never adopted sectarian attitudes and were never involved in power struggles. They kept away from power structures.
24. What was Dara Shikoh's contribution to enriching religious harmony in India ?
Dara Shikoh wrote a religious book Majmaul Bahrayn (co-mingling of two Oceans- Islam and Hinduism ). Quoting from Hindu and Islamic scriptures he showed both religions had similar teaching. the difference was of languages ( Arabic and Sanskrit ) and not teaching. Thus he contributed richly to inter religious harmony in India.
25. How did British succeed in sowing the seeds of religious hatred in India ?
The British rules adopted the policy of divide and rule. distorted medieval Indian history to make Muslim rulers appears as tyrants to the Hindu elite. This distorted history was taught in new school system, which was established by the British rulers. Thus they succeeded in sowing the seeds of religious hatred in India.
26. Why, according to the author, were the Muslims left far behind in the race for progress ?
The Muslim ruling elite resisted new secular education system and also could not take to commerce and industry. thus the Muslims in India were left far behind in the race for progress.
27. Why, according to the author did the Muslims hitch their wagon with the British rulers ?
When compared with the Hindu elite the Muslim elite felt less secure in the emerging power structure. So they hitched their wagon with the British rulers.
28. What do the articles 14 to 21 and 25 of our constitution uphold ?
According to Articles 14 to 21, all will enjoy same rights without any dissemination on any ground. According to Article 25, all those who reside in India are free to confess, practice and propagate religion of one's choice subject to social health and law and order. Thus conversion to any religion of one's choice is a fundamental right.
29. What are the factors that have contributed in the wide prevalence of religious among people of all religious in India ?
The wide prevalence of religious tolerance in India can be attributed to the influence Indian doctrine that truth is one, but is manifested in different forms. The Sufi doctrine of wahdat alwujud ( Real Being is One ) implies that there is only one real Being and all of us are mere manifestations of that Real Being.
30. Why does Seattle say that buying their land will not be easy for the Great Chief in Washington?
Seattle says that buying their land will not be easy for the Great Chief in Washington, because this land is sacred to them. The shining water in the streams and rivers is the blood of their ancestors.
31. What does Seattle want the white men to teach their children?
Seattle wants the white men to teach their children that the land is sacred and that each ghostly reflection in the clear water of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of his people. The water's murmur is the voice of his father's father.
32. What is the difference in approach between the Native Red Indians and the Whites towards Mother Earth?
To the Whiteman, The earth is not brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He treats everything to be bought, plundered, and sold like sheep or bright beads. But the Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind and its smell. The air is precious to the Redman, for all things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man.
33. Explain the sarcasm in the words of Seattle when he says 'I am a savage and do not understand'.
When Seattle says that he is a savage, he means that the Whiteman is a savage and he does not understand the sacred earth, trees, rivers, sky, and the beasts and birds, there is no quiet place in the Whiteman’s cities. He does not seem to notice the air he breathes, and like a man dying for many days, he is numb to the stench.
34. What are the conditions laid by Seattle to sell his land to the Great Chief?
The Great Chief must keep the land apart and sacred, as a place where the white man can go taste the wind. The Whiteman must treat the beasts of this land as his brothers. He must teach his children that the earth is the Redman’s mother.
Answer the following questions in 100 words each :1. What are the fundamental differences between the powers enjoyed by the President of the Indian Union and the President of America ?
Under the Presidential system of America, the President is the chief head of the Executive. But the President of the Indian Union is the head of the state, but not of the Executive. He is the symbol of the nation in the sense that his position is ceremonial in nature. The cabinet ministers function under him. The President of the United States is not bound to accept the advice of his secretaries. the President of the Indian Union will be bound by the advice of his ministers. He can do nothing contrary to their . He cannot do anything without their advice.
2. What are the special features of the Indian federation which make it different from all federations ?
The Indian Federation can be both unitary as well as federal, according to the requirements of time and circumstances. In normal times it works as a federal system. But in times of war it is designed to work as Unitary set up. Once the President issues a proclamation under the provision of the Draft Article 275 (Article 352- Proclamation of Emergency), the state becomes a Unitary State. It can take upon itself the powers to legislate upon any subject in the Stat List. The Union Can direct the State Governments as to how they should exercise their executive authority on any specific subject, can authorise any officer to execute powers according to its will. The union also has the power to suspend the financial provisions of the constitution. Such a power of converting itself into a Unitary State is one point of difference between the Federation proposed in the Draft Constitution and all other Federations.
3. How does Ambedkar express his gratitude to the compliments showered upon him ?
Dr. Ambedkar expresses his deepest gratitude to the members of the Constitution Assembly and the members of the Drafting Committee for the work they have rendered in shaping the constitution. He came to the Assembly with a view to safeguard the interests of the Scheduled castes. He was surprised to see that he was elected to the Drafting committee and that he was elected to be its Chairman. He showers praises on sir Alladi Krishnaswamy ayyar and such competent men who were members of the committee and the Assembly. he is grateful to both the bodies for reposing in him so much trust and confidence and in giving him an opportunity of serving the country. the credit does not wholly belong to him. It belong partly to sir. B.N. Rau, the constitutional Adviser to the Assembly and to the members of the drafting committee. he admits that greater share of the credit is to mr. S.N. Mukherjee, the chief Draftsman of the constitution.
4. What was Anbedkar's reply to the charge that there was too much centralization and the states have been reduced to municipalities ?
In reply tho the charge that there was too much centralization and that the states have been reduced to municipalities, Ambedkar says that this view is not only an exaggeration, but is also founded on a misunderstanding of the provisions of the constitution. the basic principle of Federalism is that the Legislative and executive authority is partitioned between the centre and the states by the constitution itself. The states are not in any way dependent upon the centre for their legislative and executive authority. The centre and the states are co-equal in this matter. The centre cannot after this partition, nor can the Judiciary. Courts can modify, but cannot replace. They can revise earlier interpretations on new evidences and arguments, but there are certain barriers they cannot pass. The charge that the centre has been given overloading powers is also unfounded, because the centre enjoys such powers in emergencies only.
5. What are Anbedkar's apprehensions about that future of India ?
On 26 January 1950, India will be a Republic. Ambedkar expresses his apprehensions whether India will be able to keep up her independence or will she lose it once again? once India lost it by the infidelity and treachery of some of her own people. the invasions of Sind by mohammed Bib-Kasim, Mohammed Ghori and the Moghul emperors were facilitated by Indian chieftains, Again in 1857, the first war of Independence was defeated by Indians as they remained mere spectators. in the place of these traitors, the Independent India has many political parties. Ambedkar is not sure if these parties place creed above the country. The democratic government must be for the people. If it is not so, there is danger of our new-born Republic giving place to dictatorship.
6. What are the speaker's view on India's democratic tradition ?
Dr. Ambedkar points out that India had been a democracy. There was a time when India was studded with Republics. there were monarchies either elected or limited in India. They were never absolute. India knew parliaments or parliamentary procedure. The Budhist Bhikshu Sanghas were nothing but parliaments. they knew and observed all the rules of Parliamentary procedure known to modern times. They had rules regarding seating arrangements, rules regarding motions, Resolutions, res Judicata etc.Although these rules of Parliamentary Procedure were applied by the Budha to the meetings of the Sanghas, he must have borrowed them from the rules of the Political Assemblies functioning in the country in his time.
7. Write your on religious tolerance in the medieval society ?
The medieval society in India inherited the traditions of Ashoka and Budha. The Moghul emperor Akbar followed this tradition in state affairs and in his own private life. India had Sufi tradition in Islam and Bhakti tradition in Hinduism. Both were based on respect for different religions. They recognized the truth in other religions. They never adopted sectarian views and never involved in power struggles. The great Sufi Saint of 13 - 14th century saw the times of five Sultans, but never stooped before any of them. He refused the request of the last Sultan of his life time to come to the court. Dara Shikoh, the Hinduism. he wrote a book Majmaul Bahrayn ( co-mingling of Two oceans - Islam and Hinduism ). Quoting from Hindu and Islamic Scriptures he showed both religious had similar teachings.
8. Express your views on unholy alliance between politics and religions ?
Politics is social and religion is personal. Politics deals with the political life of society in general. It is concerned with the material life of citizens. But religion should deal with the spiritual life of individuals. each has its own sphere of activity. But the Indian scenario is quite disquieting and now-a-days it is alarming. Self seeking politicians seek to forge unholy alliance with religious and communal organizations in order to grab political power. The British rulers sought to divide Indians on grounds of religion. United Indian was thus divided into two countries- India and Pakistan. Even after Independence we see this tendency flourishing in India. This holy alliance between politics and religion has attained prevalence threatening to shatter the very fabric of secularism in India. this leads to appeasing one religions to vote and this in turn prompts the members of other religions to organise themselves to become a bargaining power. this will ultimately lead to division and hostility.
9. Comment on the Red Indian's Criticism of the white settler's treatment of Mother Earth?
Speaking on behalf of the Red Indian's Seattle criticisms the Whiteman’s attitude towards Mother earth. The Whiteman leaves his father's grave behind. He kidnaps the earth from his children. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy. His appetite devours the earth and leaves behind only a desert. He forget his father's grave and his children's birth right. He treats his mother, the earth, and his brother, the sky as things to be bought, plundered, sold like sheep, or bright beads. There is no quiet place in the Whiteman’s cities. There is no place to hear the unfurling of leaves in spring, or the rustle of an insect's wings. The Whiteman does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a dying man, he is insensitive to the stench.
10. What are the two world views on environment reflected in the speech of Seattle?
The speech of Seattle brings out the two world views on environment which are diametrically opposed to each other. The white settler is a representative of western outlook on environment which place man above everything. it is the anthropocentric or human centered concept of ecology. According to this theory living being and the nonliving exist for the sake of man. In other words, it is the concept of shallow ecology that the white hold on to. On the other hand, the Red Indian speaks through the author. Seattle strongly advocates the theory of all inclusiveness or the concept of Deep Ecology. He says, "For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected". He asks the white settlers to teach their children that the earth is our mother. Again, "the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth...... all things are connected". This is a direct and convincing affirmation that both the Redman and the white man are the son s of God. Hence they are brothers.
Essay Question
1. What are the special features of the Constitution of India ? How does it uphold federal principles on one hand and ensure uniformity in all basic matters on the others ?
The constitution of India is federal in character. It consists of the Union at the Center and the states at the periphery. Each has its own sovereign powers. The Indian Constitution is not a league of states, nor are they administrative agencies of the Central government. Each state has certain rights in its own domain for the special advantage of its own citizens. The Indian constitution is a Dual polity with a single citizenship. There is only one citizenship for the whole of India.
The Constitution of India has placed at the head of the Indian Union a functionary who is called the President of the Indian Union. He is totally different from his American counterpart in function and authority. Under the Presidential system of America, the president is the chief head of the Executive. But the President of India occupies the same position as the king under the English Constitution. He is the head of the state, but does note rule the nation. He is bound by the advice of his ministers. The ministers under the Indian Union are members of Parliament. they can remain in power so long as they enjoy the confidence of Parliament. A parliamentary Government must resign the moment it loses the confidence of a majority of members of the Parliament . it follows thet it becomes more responsible.
Under the non- Parliamentary system, such as the one that exists in the U.S., the assessment of the Executive is only periodic. But, under the Indian Constitution, it is both daily and periodic. The daily assessment is done by members of Parliament through questions, resolution and adjournment motions. Periodic assessment is done by the electorate at the time of the election that may take place every five years. This assures responsibility, but there is the chance of less stability.
Though the Indian Constitution is not Unitary like the American constitution, it can be both Unitary and Federal according to the time and circumstance. In normal times is works as a Federal system. But in times of war, it is designed to work as a Unitary system. Once the President issues a proclamation under the provision of Article 352, the state is transformed into a Unitary one in character. the union can take upon itself the powers to legislate upon any subject in the State List. It can direct the State Governments as to how they should exercise their Executive authority on any specific subject, can authorise any officer to execute powers according to its will. the union has also the power to suspend the financial provisions of the Constitution. Such a power of converting itself into a unitary State is unique in the Indian Constitution.
In assuaging the rigours of rigidity and legalism, the Constitution follows the Australian pattern: This refers to the existence of a long list of concurrent powers of legislation. The second means to avoid rigidity and legalism is the provision for amending the constitution. The amendment does not require ratification by the states. other effective means to have uniformity in all basic matters are : 1) A single judiciary, 2) uniformity in fundamental laws, civil and criminal: and 3) a common All-India Civil Service to man important posts.
As far as the Indian Federation is concerned, it has no Dual judiciary. The high courts and the Supreme court from one single integrated Judiciary. This is done to eliminate all diversity in all remedial procedures. Though India has a Dual Civil Service, there is an All-India Civil Service recruited on an all-India basis with common qualifications and uniform scales of pay. they alone could be appointed to the strategic posts throughout the union.
2. According to Ambedkar, what all must be done to sustain democracy in India safeguarding the principles of Liberty, equality and fraternity ?
Dr. Ambedkar warns us that there is the possibility of India slipping back to dictatorship if we are not vigilant. Democracy must be maintained not merely in form, but also in fact. He proposes a number of steps in order to achieve this end.
We must hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives. We must abandon the methods of civil disobedience, non-cooperation and Satyagraha. As there are constitutional means to achieve our goals, there is no justification for resorting to unconstitutional means. these unconstitutional methods are nothing but the 'grammar of anarchy'.
The second thing is to give up the natural tendency of Indians to indulge in political hero-worship. The political hero who is so worshiped, is sure to subvert their institutions. there is nothing wrong in being grateful to the great men who have rendered life-long service to the country. but there should be certain limits to that gratefulness. As Daniel O'Connel has said no Nation can be grateful at the cost of its liberty. Bhakti in religion may be good for salvation of the soul. But in politics, bhakti or heroworship is a sure road to degradation and eventual dictatorship.
The third thing is that apart from political democracy, there should be social democracy. Political democracy cannot succeed if it is not sipported by Social Democracy. It recognises liberty, equality and fratenity as the principles of life. These tenets are not separate, but they very purpose of democracy. The most glaring is the absence of equality in Indian society. The Indian society is based on the principles of graded inequality. A microscopic minority amasses immense wealth while the majority live in abject poverty. In politics, we have one man one vote and one vote one value. But this principle is subverted in economic life. "We must remove this contradiction at the earliest possible moment or else those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of political democracy........"
The next point is the inculcation of national feeling in Indians. The most formidable barrier is the existence of caste system. The castes are anti national. They bring about separation in social life.
The political power in India has long been in the hands of a few. this must change. the many are not only beasts of burden but also beasts of prey. The down trodden classes are tried of being governed. They are impatient to govern themselves.
These words of Ambedkar have proved to be prophetic. The absence of equality, the prevalence of casteism, the monopoly of political power in the hands of a few have already fuelled all anti national elements in the present day India which call for urgent remedial measures.
3. What are the author's observations on Indian secularism ? What is the present threat to communal harmony and peace ?
Ashgar Ali Engineer, an Indian Muslim and reformist writer, in his essay 'Secularism in India' examines the nature of Secularism in India. He defines what secularism has been in ancient India and what it is the present - day - India. Secularism is India has been totally different from what it has been in the West. in the west it means atheism. But the healthy secular traditions in India suffered a set back with the advent of the British rule. Their policy of divide and rule, distortion of medieval history, economic and political competitions among religions, all these led to the development of communal disharmony in our society.
Religion plays a very important role in the life of Indian people. But India has never been a mono religious country. Alien religions like Islam and Christianity co-existed with Hinduism, the main religion of India, in peace and harmony. The Upanishads expounded the world view of Hinduism - Sarvadharma Samabhavana, which means equal respect for all religions. Despite this, the caste system. which is prejudicial to lower castes, dominated Indian social life.
Even under feudalism there were no inter religious competitions. There never took Place blood shed in the name of religion. The policies of kings like Ashoka the Great and Akbar the Great contributed much to the fostering of religious harmony. the Sufi and this direction. these two streams attracted the poorer and lower caste Hindus to their fold. they never adopted sectarian attitude.
This warm and welcome atmosphere underwent a drastic change with the advent of the British rule in 19th century. They adopted the policy of 'divide and rule'. The British education system was aimed at this objective in view. Along with this, there developed economic and political competition between Hindu and Muslim elite leading to communal tensions. when the Hindu elite quickly adjusted to modern education system and commerce and industries, the Muslim ruling elite resisted the new education system and could not take to commerce and industry.
Secularism in India was more a political than philosophical phenomenon. the Muslim ruling class could not come to terms with power sharing arrangement and this resulted in the partition of the country. India was divided into two - India and Pakistan. While India remained secular, Pakistan adopted Islam as its State religion. Here, the main struggle was between secularism and communalism.
The main question raised in the post independent India is : how many people are against people of minority religions like Islam and Christianity and how many people respect them. the answer is very simple- majority of Indian people are secular. What we have to do is to keep up and strengthen the secular tradition of India; i.e., the Sufi and Bhakti traditions.
A major threat to secularism in is from the mingling of religion and politics. It is not mingling but mixing. religious group, both of majority and minority, organize themselves into political parties with a view to grab political power as a means of economic power. Secularism fails when opposing communal parties enter into politics. This is the main threat that our secular democratic polity faces today. It is politicians who divide people with the help of majority of religious leaders. They seek to mobilise votes on grounds of primordial identities like religion, caste and ethnicity.
4. Seattle's speech calls for the need to arrive at a consensus in favour of ' sustainable development' which will ensure social justice without destroying our ecosystem. Discuss. ?
The speech of Seattle brings out the two world views on environment - shallow ecology and deep ecology. The western concept of anthropocentric ecology is not conducive to sustainable development. The author strongly advocates an all- inclusive approach to ecology which is the deep ecology. The chief from Washington who wants to buy the Redman’s land does not care for the sanctity of the Mother Earth. The Redman wants the white settler to teach his children certain lessons about the earth and certain values to be followed by them. The Redman is ready to sell his land on certain conditions - conditions which are essential for sustainable development ensuring social development without destroying our ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of the Red Indians, Seattle criticises the white man's attitude towards mother earth. The Whiteman leaves his father's grave behind. He kidnaps the earth from his children. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy. His appetite devours the earth and leaves behind only a desert. He forgets his father’s his father's grave and his children's birth right. He treats his mother, the earth, and his brother, the sky as things to be bought, plundered, sold like sheep, or bright beads. There is no quiet place in the Whiteman’s cities. There is no place to hear the unfurling of leaves in spring, or the rustle of an insect's wings. The Whiteman does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a dying man, he is insensitive to the stench.
Seattle tells the agent of the Great Chief from Washington that he is willing to sell the land, but it is not easy. The Whiteman must remember that the air is precious to the Redman, that the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports. The Redman is ready to sell his land to the Whiteman on condition that it be kept apart and sacred as a place where even the white man can go taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow's flowers. Further, the Whiteman must treat the beasts of this land as his brothers, because all things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves. The earth does not belong to man. man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family.
The bold declarations that Seattle makes in his speech emphasis the point that every living and non - living on this earth, the air, the sky, the rivers, the lakes the sky are interconnected and interdependent. One cannot exist at the cost of the other. By exploiting the resources of the earth beyond a certain limit which will be detrimental to the very survival of the earth and the future generations will be harmful. It is not development. It is destroying our ecology. Sustainable development is possible if we are ready to follow a policy of preservation of our environment.
