"When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser"

Does a democracy die only in the event of military coup d’états against the elected governments? Doesn’t it lose its soul when namesake republics master the mathematics of the electoral process turning a blind eye to the statistics of people issues?

Democracy is made up of two words – ‘demos’ meaning people and ‘kratos’ meaning rule. But does the conjunction ensure that people make the right decision about who rules over them and in what manner.

Given that there is no in-built mechanism that validates the choice of people as good, how does one ensure democracy serves the larger cause of humankind? The key questions around democracy are not as much about how to protect democracy from its detractors, as about examining its effectiveness in upholding what is generally believed to be the common good.

If common people are unaware of the common good, they need to be made aware of it, as Socrates aptly highlighted in his scathing critique of democracy.

Thinkers, crusaders and conscientious activists across different spheres – medicine, engineering, technology, manufacturing, services, academia, polity, arts, sport, entertainment – must form a freewheeling consortium to brainstorm on key issues plaguing humanity, even if the democratic degeneration may not affect them personally and professionally. The focal point of this selfless activism should be on remedying a democracy which alone can build a unbreakable cocoon of multiculturalism across the globe.

Multiculturalism is integral to democracy but sadly it is often examined from a narrow purview. People tend to equate it with a shared celebration of festivals, which is often superficial. True?cultural diversity runs deeper, in the form of a genuine respect for other people’s customs, values and moral codes. The inclusive behaviour springs from within, it is rarely advertised.

We can’t absolve ourselves of the role we play in depriving democracy of its vigour and vitality. Come what may, all we do is to look away, keep mum or worse, relish heated but impotent debates in the cosy comfort of our living rooms. The onus is on us, the citizens of India, to restore and revitalize our priceless democracy. We all know it is the most potent vehicle to ensure that our preferences and aspirations steer good governance and effective policy making. But what are our preferences? Are there any in the first place?

Given that votes are cast based on caste, creed, language, and religion in India, It is no surprise that corruption and favouritism loom large, evident in the manner in which names are proposed, seconded and nominated as electoral candidates or awarded ministerial berths. Vote banks continue to thrive on communal disharmony, largely the fallout of the ingenuous British move to form separate communal electorates in India.

A democracy becomes what we make of it. The right to know is rendered meaningless without a desire to know. High time the common citizens of India know and cherish the value of their invaluable votes which alone will help safeguard their liberty. Now is the time has come for deep introspection on how we can enrich our democracy through better healthcare, education and prosperity for all, while keeping zealots of all kinds at bay.

Let's build a liberal democracy which will help?us retain the poise of our solitary march amid the noise all around. Let's maintain our stoic calm, come what may in the way. If our point is right, we don't need to prove it!

Let's not stoop to the level of our detractors, instead let's internalize the wise words of Socrates: "When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser"

?????????????? ??????????????????: Sudhir Raikar

???????????????? ????????????: Adarsh Ajaikumar