Spirit and Flavour of Democracy

There is no other form of governance that is as interesting and empowering as DEMOCRACY is. In spite of all its weaknesses, it provides a platform for people to express themselves and fight for their rights. It provides a level playing field for everyone. Irrespective of the class and caste, it gives everyone the freedom to represent and be represented.

Universal adult franchise or elections are reflections of the dynamism and the spirit of democracy. Especially in India, the 'Election' is time for people to show their power and feel their power....the hysteria, the drama, the frenzy, the excitement, the energy and the enthusiasm on part of the common people during this time is unparalleled in the world. Perhaps this is the time when the common man and the lower sections of the society feel most empowered; this is reflected in the higher voter turn out on part of this section in comparison to the upper section of the society.

During a recent tour to a village near Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, I came across this man (in a red sweater) in the picture above.

He is contesting in the elections from a party floated by him; he is the only one in his party, he does his own campaigns, goes from door to door and reaches out to people. He spends out of his own pocket in spite of the fact that he is struggling to feed his family.

In a candid discussion, he revealed that perhaps he knew that he was not going to win that time, but for him, 'winning' or 'losing' did not matter as much as 'standing up for himself and his fellowmen' did. He was convinced that he was standing for a great cause and that was what gave him courage, motivation and energy.

This is the true spirit of democracy.

Politics of Identity is never sustainable

India has decided and has decided in favour of a stable government. At a time when the world economy is reeling under recession and growth of Indian economy has slowed down considerably, people want Manmohan and co to be in charge as they were the ones who had started the economic turn around in 1991. Public memory has not failed, it seems, in this case. They have recognized Manmohan for his efficiency and honesty.

At the same time, it's a verdict against the fundamentalists. Though in the short run the politics of 'hatred', 'division' and 'identity' does appeal to the masses, in the long run however, people realize that true peace and prosperity can not be achieved with such a policy. The policies need to focus on development, channelizing resources to productive activities and addressing issues of inequality.

Mother's day

Most of the time we tend to take our near and dear ones for granted, especially, our mothers. Though we should be aware that mothers deserve a better deal from us all the time, it's also true that that act of 'taking-for-granted' itself is a sure sign of unselfish and unconditional love. We know all the time that no matter what happens, no matter how utterly negligent we have been to our mothers, no matter how indifferent we have been at times towards her, she would always be there for us and by our side, without a hinge of complain, with a basket full of love. This is the greatest feeling on earth. This is the graetest gift from GOD.

Someone once said very truly,"GOD can not be everywhere, thus HE created MOTHER"

It's Mother's day here again and we realize the important role a mother plays throughout our lives behind the scene, unnoticed and almost unappreciated.

On Democracy, Elections and Voting in India

Democracy, undoubtedly is one of the greatest ideas of all time. As Abraham Lincoln once told, "Democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people". It gives people the freedom of choice of how to govern themselves, and more than that, how to live. Nations are nothing but its people.

When there was no authority on earth, there was absolute freedom, but there was also absolute anarchy in the sense that only the mighty ruled (not that it is very obsolete now, but is under tremendous control); the very existence of a being was at the mercy of the mighty.

Thus we gave ourselves nation states, where there would be a government to rule. Irrespective of the form of the government, the basic objective ought to be the welfare of the people, and especially, the weak and the vulnerable. This shows the progress of civilization and the maturity of the human species (more than any other). Democracy truly reflects all these characteristics.

However, democracy depends on its citizens to be successful.

The greatest gift that our (Indian) statesmen gave us after our independence was 'Democracy'. Since then our democracy has matured and has become world's largest democracy.

Elections, or the universal adult franhise is an important part of Democracy. It gives power to the people; it is the most important means through which the Democracy runs; it is the life blood of Democracy.

But, the on-going general elections in India has thrown at us several questions.
Why is the voter turn out getting lower and lower (in spite of the campaign promoting voting)?
Why literate people are voting in less numbers than their illiterate cousins?
Are people losing faith in Democracy?
Or, the people are only fade up with the politicians?
Are we complacent regarding the success of our Democracy?

A common argument for people not voting is that "we don't have option- all the candidates in the fray are equally useless". But, is our society any different from the political scenario? Politics (or for that matter, any profession) is only a reflection of our society. If we are concerned about our nation and our people, we must vote; we must choose the lesser evil (if one thinks so).

However, voting is not the end of it. We have to be aware of what is happening; we must ask questions; and ABOVE ALL, GOOD PEOPLE MUST JOIN POLITICS. It may not solve the problem immediately, but it will help in the long run. Youth has a big role to play; youth must embrace politics. A young nation like us can only avoid politics at its own peril.

When you hurt your finger, you don't cut it off; you apply balm.

My Mother

Some years back, when I was in college, when I was alone, I wrote this poem on my Mother...it goes like this: 

MY MOTHER ---------- 

Friends galore around I talk and I laugh; 

I do have the freedom 

To do what I like... I sing, I dance and make merry; 

There is, however, lacking something- It's you my dear! 

Oh you dear, How often I miss you! 

You are not there- When I sit with my book 

To give me a glass of milk; 

When I can not grow 

To push me from behind; 

When I am in distress 

To console me in your lap; 

When I am in darkness 

To lead me to light; 

When I am lost in the wilderness 

To show me the path; 

When I am nothing 

To make me something. 

Often do I get angry with you 

Often do I neglect you 

Often do I ignore you 

You have loved me the same, non-the-less 

I am nothing without you, 

Maa, I am nothing without your love.

The dignity of being a man!

It was 25th January, 2009. I was coming back from my home (Orissa) after a brief break to Ahmedabad by a train in the second class compartment. I was not in a great mood...the break was too short for my liking. To make matters worse someone would come every other hour with his/her begging bowl. I always have this disliking for begging (I don't have any disliking for those who beg though). I was engrossed in an argument within myself.....
.....Why would someone beg?
.....Is this alright?
.....Is it ok to give alimony?

After a long monologue, I decided, it is is ok if I give alimony (which I do most of the time). I thought in most cases, one would beg because of one's inability to earn and the lack of earning opportunity. To the question that what would one be doing with the money so earned (some people fear that the money is misutilized), I gave the beneift of doubt to the beggar; I assumed the money is not misutilized as I have no idea; and in any case, one is free to do whatever one wishes to do with his/her earning!

I was reminded of the recent movie 'Slumdog Millionnaire' and the underworld hand in it.....the big business behind begging.

But I somehow justified evrything and thought that I was not that wrong when I give away a rupee in alimony. However, I was not at all happy to convince myself this way!

Just then, THIS HAPPENED! This gentleman (in the photograph above) came along. He was an old man of around 50-55.....blind by both the eyes.....stains all over his face (possibly because of Small pox), in tattered clothes. But the most remarkable thing about this gentleman was that in spite of all odds, he was standing tall. He was not begging! He was selling useful little things one would require during a train journey (like paper soap, pan masala, etc). He was working all round the clock for his bread and butter.

I thought how easy was it for this man to beg! There could be no better excuse! (At least in India!)

But this man was dignity personified. He was (is) a real Hero.One could sense and smell the dignity of labour....the dignity of being a man! I was feeling proud to be a man. All my apprehensions were gone....I was instantly filled with hope and joy.

A Nuptial Dilemma !

One of my good friends told me recently that she is going to help a friend of hers to marry a boy of her choice, which their parents don't approve. The pair has been trying to convince their respective parents since a lince a long time, albeit unsuccessfully; hence they have decided to marry without their parents' will in the court of law.

My friend is worried that some of her good friends advise her not to support such a marriage.

I would like to air my view on this subject.

One knows one's parents and family the best. If he/she thinks that there is little chance that the family will approve of such a relation/marriage, he/she should not fall in love at the first place; i.e, 'Don't fall in love if you know you can not marry'!

However, fortunately or unfortunately, love (in most cases) happens spontaneously and subconsciously. One discovers oneself fully within its grasp when one realizes it.
What to do in such a situation?

Now there are three options open:

* You convince your parents/family and get married for good
* You can not convince, and still go with your beloved one, none-the-less
* You can not convince, so go with your parents and ditch your beloved

One would like to have the first option...if it is open though! However, the problem/argument lies with the next two options.Personally I would chose the second option, for:

* To marry the person you love is a commitment (if it is not defined/decided/understood otherwise earlier by thepartners)
* In most cases, even if you marry against your parents' wishes, the parents later on realize that the marriage after all is not that bad... and ultimately recognize it and accept it. So, it is a matter of time before everything settles down.

I would chose the third option only if it comes to a question of 'life and death', i.e., if there is a 'realistic' chance of someone becoming so depressed / disappointed by the situation that he/she might commit suicide or there is a chance of someone resorting to fatal violence. After all, 'Life' is above evrything else!

It is true that love marriages can fail, but so can arranged marriages! (Divorces are not the only indicator of failed marriages)

I don't suggest that 'marriage' has to be personal decision. In our society and culture, marriages are socially significant occasions and everybody is involved. But there should not be a veto power! The last decision need not remain with the parents or someone in particular. It can be a collective decision, with prime importance to the person getting married.

If he/she makes a wrong decision, he/she is going to suffer...and he/she can not blame it on others. The rigidty on part of the parents/family comes not from the concern/care but from the superficial notions of prestige and ego. In any case, a good parent has to have faith in their child! Support and faith on the part of the parents result in better relations in future and strengthen family bond.

It is pertinent that when the constitution has faith in an individual that he has the ability to chose the Head of the state, he certainly has the ability to chose a life partner for himself or herself!