Journey to becoming better human being (42) Can I stay away from Politics?

We were talking about a crook of our area who entered politics, became a leader, contested and won elections and has now become a thick-skinned politician, influencing the decisions governing our lives and the country. Suddenly, we realised our own pitiable plight. Our life and the future of our children are in the hands of crooks like him and we are reduced to mere helpless spectators. We proposed this as a topic for our weekly meeting.

“When good people do not enter politics, they leave the vacuum for the crooks to occupy.”

We shared our common understanding that politics is dirty and good people keep away from it. But diving deeper we examined our beliefs. Politics is participation in common governance. Be it at the level of family and workplace or be it at the level of state and the country. Deliberating on issues of common concerns, examining diverse perspectives and getting involved in decision making, to ensure best interest of all stake holders. If that is politics, then how it can be dirty?

Afterall, what was India’s freedom movement, if not politics? And was not the best talent of the country actively involved in the movement?

We realised that politics is not dirty. It is the way it is practiced just now, that is dirty. It has become synonymous with leg-pulling, betrayal and greed for power and wealth at massive human and social costs. Over the years, it has degenerated from the peak of self-less service to the ulterior game of appropriation of social resources for narrow selfish gains. By gradually withdrawing from active interest in common governance, good and capable people have allowed this process of deterioration. Is there a way out?

“Humanist Party was formed to facilitate good people participate in politics.”

As different from conventional established parties, it is a party of common people with no traditional political personality and leaders. It has an ideology of humanism opposing all kind of violence, injustice and corruption. It works with the method of active non-violence and non-discrimination. It promotes viewing all decisions based on the impact on all and not only a few. It demands free health and education and opportunity for better living conditions for all.

“It is a non-traditional party committed to political accountability, transparency and real democracy.”

Working over the years, it has exposed the myth of democracy which is now only a name-sake formality. Globally, it has become an undisputed fact, that politicians promise one thing before elections and end up doing another, after getting elected. The real democracy, which is of the people, by the people and for the people, is a far cry.

Real democracy can’t work with the population voting once in five years and then leaving everything to the elected politicians. It is important that people should not only vote but keep a vigil and actively remain involved in the process of governance.

As we were wondering about such ideal politics, the biggest concern emerged. In today’s demanding life, how can common people take out time for such participation?

“You spend all your time building your life and family and everything can be swept away by one decision of people in power. That is the price of the indifference.”

We learnt that Humanist Party encourages shedding of indifference and promotes active participation. It has a well-defined way or working with formation of councils of volunteers at the grassroot level, process of internal elections and co-ordination at various levels. It promotes interest and concern in common governance inviting people to create a new form of politics of self-less service and well-being of all.

As a party, it campaigns for a law demanding accountability from politicians including its own members. It points out that there are laws governing all forms of organisations except political parties and as such demands a law for them.

“In an era of domination of money and muscle power in politics, Humanist Party is less likely to get visibility or win elections. But it is the future.”

Increasingly a realisation is dawning that conventional politics and politicians are not going to help the society and the country. It is important that common people take charge of their own future and demand a say in the joint governance. Humanist Party is a voice of such people that is growing momentum all over the world.

Interestingly, Humanist Party has the symbol of Mobius ribbon – infinity - signifying the infinite possibilities and human potential.

Politics is dirty indeed. That is the precise reason why it becomes duty of each one of us to actively participate in cleaning it and creating a new politics of self-less work and real democracy.

From despising politics, to getting excited about the role of common people in shaping their own destiny by actively participating in politics, I am moving ahead in my journey to becoming better human being.