As I grew up and observed the world's largest democracy,I was in for a heartbreak(again). The Lincoln definition didn’t hold true. Few governments were formed by the people.Elections were mostly about money and muscles.Few governments were of or cared for the people.It was all about making money, and securing a seat for relatives and sons.
I was disillusioned. But,like in case of Santa,I realized that it’s not about corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, it’s about the idea of democracy. And that idea is alive in form of Rights,Freedom and Responsibilities.
Rights and Freedom(citizens):Human rights and freedom are fundamental to a democracy.In India and in U.S,the major reason behind a vibrant democracy is the rights granted to the citizens by the constitution. Democracy is about the right to choose my own God,call Him by a name I like and pray to Him the way I deem fit. It’s also about the right not to choose a God. Democracy is about the right to live with dignity.A society wherein no one is targeted because of his/her race,gender,ethnicity or religion.
A government might try to curtail these rights. The recent debate on online censorship being a case in point. The beauty of a functioning democracy is the right to protest against such initiatives. Those sitting in the higher echelons of power might miss the cries of a few individuals. But when the entire nation shouts,they mean business. My idea of democracy gives its citizens a right to shout,to be heard and respected.Ppeople might be wrong at times.But in a democracy,that’s no reason to shut anyone’s voice. Democracy is freedom.
Rights and Freedom(Government): A strong government is integral to a strong democracy. Government has to be free from undue international and political pressures. If it’s vulnerable to arm-twisting by fringe elements,it can never deliver good governance.
A strong opposition is essential to keep the government from turning in an autocracy. They work as conscience-keepers of the government. It’s their right to protest when they feel the government is wrong.Its the responsibility of the government to negotiate in such situations instead of acting haughty.
Responsibilities(Citizens): Unbridled rights without responsibility is of no use. My freedom of speech doesn’t mean I can shower abuses at others. My freedom of religion doesn’t mean I can deride the followers of other faiths. As Spiderman’s(I was sad when I realized he too isn’t real and his closest substitute is Barack Obama) uncle said-“With great powers,come great responsibilities”.
Democracy gives us great powers.If you think I am exaggerating,turn your eyes(and nose) to Egypt,Libya, and other Middle East regimes. Smell jasmine? The monarchs,who had subdued every legitimate aspiration of their countrymen,are tumbling down. Thousands have laid their lives fighting for the same basic civil rights that we take for granted.
The rights we get have to be complimented with certain responsibilities to make a democracy tick. Be it the responsible use of public services like transport,water,electricity or choosing our words wisely so as not to hurt other. So how do we know whether we are being responsible or not? Just make sure that our actions and words aren’t infringing upon someone else’s rights.
Responsibilities(Government): This one’s the favourite part of many of us. We all want an honest and responsible government. In large and diverse countries like India and the U.S,a responsible government is necessary to keep the nation united and on the right track. A few wrong moves and what you get is a massive civil society agitation or a dark Wikipedia page making it very difficult to complete your child’s homework. The best way to live happily ever after is to stick to the books(constitution) and provide Justice,Liberty,Equality,Fraternity to the people.
My description of democracy might not be complete.But these are the things I feel are crucial to the idea of a vibrant democracy. There are nations that have failed to sustain this form of governance as they missed on one or the other of these points. And how does India fair on the democratic scale? Fairly good. We have never had a coup,and since independence,there has been just one incident of breakdown of the democratic machinery at the centre. But there’s a long way to go. We still need to address the grievances of fellow Indians who have turned to armed struggles. We still need to control the spate of farmers suicides and feed our malnourished kids. We have to assure the common man that it’s safe to venture out of home and that the police and the intelligence will protect him from getting blown up in a terror attack. He needs to be assured that a water or electricity connection is his basic right and no bribe is necessary for the same. His daughter must not be deprived of a seat in the medical college because of her caste or lack of capitation fee. He needs his basic rights and freedom. But the catch is,the common man must understand that the state can’t be overthrown by pelting stones or raising an army of tribal insurgents.He needs to channelize his anger.He needs to vote ,and vote wisely. He is as accountable for electing the right government representative as the government is for addressing his aspirations.
The idea called democracy is enchantingly beautiful. With a little intelligent work by each one of us, we can make it a perfect reality.
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