What can uplift our DEMOCRACY?

India, I prefer calling it BHARAT....is witnessing difficult times like never before. Indian neighbours are alien to the concept of true democracy and although we had been having democratically elected governments since our Independence, the country hasn’t set any ideals. We all would know its causes and yet would show apathy to bring about a change!!

The time has again come, to prove what amount of power lies within every citizen of this populist country. It’s the ELECTION time!! It is the time when the worst scenarios are put forth before the citizens. The political parties bring out their manifestos undermining the benefits of the deserving citizens! Ideologies are tattled in the name of religion, caste and creed.

We the masses should first morally evolve as to what defines ‘A Citizen’.

I believe ‘A Citizen is that individual who first cares for his nation. A nation is such an entity which comprises of various other units. The hierarchy of these units could be drawn on the basis of their sizes. It starts with the smallest being an individual then his family, his neighbourhood, his city/town/village and lastly and most importantly his own nation. A citizen is a human being here. He/she could possible care only for his/her moral/legal duties if the nation happens to care for its people! The leaders which my ancestors chose have failed them and the youth.

I always chuckled on the fact that it was for the democracy, one could have expected, the best of living standards under the sun and it is tragic that in my country most haven’t been able to earn it but are denied! The reasons are numerous. India has a major middle class and is to my surprise is simply passive in fighting for their rights. The governments are formed when the political parties receive funds from the major corporates for the illiterate and underprivileged class of the society is to be deceived over impractical and non-feasible promises. Then may it be promising free power to farmers, promising amenities to illegal slums or providing reservations on the basis of religion, caste and creed.

It is hard to follow that the manifestos are scrutinized by a body to check the malpractices during and before the elections, doesn’t object! The norms should also be democratically scripted. The manifestos simply can’t promise the moon.

First and foremost, there should be no favours and sops doled out to people on the basis of religion. The economic status should alone be the scale to decide who deserves to be given special grants and opportunities.

The courts of the country should decide whether the amendment to the constitution is needed or not, and then it should direct the election commissioner to conduct a poll for every state of the country to decide the opinion. This practice is very much democratic and ensures due participation of every citizen in the formation of a sound political system. I was made aware that this is very much the way; issues are raised and sorted in the U.S parliamentary system. No wonder, U.S is considered to be an ideal example of true and functioning democracy. It is country where the underprivileged are allowed to rise and shine and US president Barack Obama truly explains that.

The ways are numerous to make our political system more accountable and one such tool was given to us. It was the ‘Right to Information Act’. Unfortunately, it’s a task to find the truth and now there are heaps of papers and affidavits lying in the bureau. The choices available are few but there’s lot we as citizens can ensure.

• To not vote for a local/regional political party but vote for a national party. It’s futile to ask for accountability to these local and several such parties.
• The local parties are becoming more demanding. Do not fall for their promises. Vote for any other nationalist party even if you think the candidate is less deserving because the national parties can only divert funds for the development.

I know the majority of middle-class knows about these few options and it is also agonizing to elect our leaders and hence the system needs an overhaul. It needs more active participation. I happened to see a movie called ‘MILK’. It narrates the efforts of a gay activist in bringing about a change in the attitude amongst majority of the people to ensure no discrimination was meted out against homosexuals. The effort was truly commendable and it fortunately achieves success too. The biggest task wasn’t about convincing the district supervisors (corporators) but was to make them realize the need for the amendment. Harvey Milk, tastes the success by garnering support for his cause from the whole of the community and not just homosexuals.

In India, we have a rich mix of culture. There are several religions. There’s not a single pattern which can generalize the entire nation. The languages are numerous and so are their dialects. The taste of food differs from region to region and so does the cultural ethos pertaining to one particular region.

It’s for the middle class, the major educated class to practice and necessarily propagate the true values of human culture. The state of affairs must protect the rights of women and underprivileged and note rate them as second rate citizens. The Ram sena (talibanians) must not be tolerated. The courts are there to ensure legalities necessary for the functioning of democracy.

After the numerous terror attacks, the enforcement of strict laws are must, but then to infringe upon the rights of any citizen can’t be Okayed. The home-guards, police and the defence forces should be made more deterrent. The courts should induct more judges and create more benches for faster dispensation of justice.

There are lots of things to be fixed. Bharat, isn’t an outcome of coincidences, it needs urgent fixes but not quick and easy ones. We need a mass movement and morally active citizens to make it happen. Long Live Bharat.