The very ideals of India’s democracy — the sanctity of its Constitution, committed leadership and the celebration of its diverse culture — now seem elusive
I was an enthusiastic first-time voter in the 1962 general elections. I am eagerly awaiting to cast my vote this year also, as I have done in every intervening election. What would be churning in the minds of those in my age group as we slowly move towards the polling booth? Most of us shall certainly remember Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Netaji Subhash Bose, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Ambedkar; the images of the freedom struggle; and the constitution of India. As young university students, we were indeed inspired and proud of our national leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations. At the University of Allahabad and the city of Allahabad, it was a great opportunity to listen to the luminaries active not only in the political field but also those who had excelled in literary and cultural pursuits.
What makes my mind reverberate with the nostalgia of those days stands ignited by the manner in which a large number of the politicians, their spokespersons and leaders of today are determined to excel each other in lowering the ethos of democracy and the process of elections.
Bitterness is in the air and it certainly is a consequence of frustrations, uncertainty and apprehensions. It is a universally accepted social responsibility that the elderly must ever remain conscious of the impact their approach, articulation and social behaviour would create on the young of the family, community and the nation. How could anyone ignore it? Is politics all about just somehow winning an election? It appears that for the ambitious politicians in a hurry, the only aim of democracy is to elevate some people to positions of power — power that makes them forget the people who put them on the pedestal! One would love to cite the example of a defeated candidate who after losing the Lok Sabha election reverts back to his constituency, works for another five years with greater enthusiasm and vigour and wins the hearts of people! The search is on!
One of the prime national and constitutional responsibilities of every citizen is to sincerely give equal respect to the diversity of India including all religions, faiths, practices and persons adored and worshipped by the adherents of each one of these. My religion is best for me, my neighbour’s is best for him.
No chance for any conflict; and this is what India has practised for ages! Why pollute this beautiful socio-cultural heritage? On 20th October 1927, Mahatma Gandhi wrote on Hinduism in Young India: “I have found it to be the most tolerant of religions known to me. Its freedom from dogma makes a forcible appeal to me inasmuch as it gives the votary the largest scope for self-expression.
Not being an exclusive religion, it enables the followers of that faith not merely to respect all other religions, but it also enables them to admire and assimilate whatever may be good in other faiths.” It must be accepted that while the freedom fighters and the makers of the constitution of India were determined to eradicate untouchability, caste exclusions and religious bigotry, their successors exploited caste, religion and regionalism to the hilt to create a niche for themselves! Having seen all this, the Indian voter is maturing fast and it is often indicated by the diametrically opposite voting patterns for Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies. Mature political discussions now take place even at the village Chaupal levels and the analysis is sometimes more incisive and decisive than in places like the India International Centre of New Delhi!
As one who completes his fifty years as a full Professor, I could — without being immodest — consider myself pretty senior in the world of teaching and learning. I probably deserve the liberty to state that when some Hon’ble Member of Parliament tears official papers in the House, mounts the table before the Chairperson/ Speaker and throws the torn pages on the face of the presiding officer, I feel ashamed! I feel let down, why do we as teachers not educate them on the basics of human behaviour and respect for the elders, seniors and those with greater experience? More than that, how could those sitting in the hallowed precincts of the parliament ever forget to show respect for the freedom fighters and the makers of the constitution of India?
Today’s politicians seem more focused on winning elections at any cost rather than upholding the democratic ethos that our forefathers fought for. The air is thick with bitterness, fueled by frustration and uncertainty. As elders, we carry a responsibility to guide the younger generation towards a path of respect for diversity and tolerance.
While India’s socio-cultural fabric has long thrived on inclusivity and tolerance, modern politics has often exploited divisions for personal gain. Yet, amidst the chaos, signs of a maturing electorate emerge. Villages engage in political discourse rivaling that of urban centers, indicating a growing political consciousness.
Looking ahead, it becomes imperative for politicians to embody Gandhi’s message in their lives and actions. India’s democracy requires leaders who prioritise service over power, who embrace diversity and who lead with integrity. As we approach the upcoming elections, let us hope for a resurgence of these values, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
Over the years, I have witnessed practically every political party staging a Dharna before the Gandhi statue outside the parliament of India. One wonders how most of them could gather the courage to face Gandhi, having practically trampled all that Gandhi not only preached but practised throughout his life.
Will some media house survey the coming elections to see how many of the elected members of parliament could repeat the words of Gandhi: “My life is my message” to their children, to their electors! India and its democracy need them in much bigger numbers than at present.
(The author works in education, social cohesion and religious amity, views are personal)
