Is India truly a democracy? This question has been asked by almost everyone from time to time. Sometimes contemplatively, sometimes in mirth and other times in despair. And hearing of the injustices around us every day can easily lead us to believe that it is in fact a fractured democracy, one where the rights of one group might be more important than the rights of other groups.
However, once we take off the cynic glasses and look at things the way they are, the picture becomes remarkably clear. India for the most part does function as a democracy. Our constitution ensures that. There might be times when the views of staunchest supporters of this notion might find themselves mired in doubt, but the way our laws are structured ensures that there is no dearth of equality of opportunity in India. A common man like Dhirubhai Ambani can struggle and become the rich beyond measure. An individual from the country’s minority can become the Prime Minister of India.
Observing the above examples, we can clearly see that the framework for achieving equality does exist in great measure in India, so much so that other countries with fledgling citizen values can take note. Of course, it’s not perfect because any idea is only as good as the people following it. But it’s definitely not what you would call a weak framework barely holding this country together.
