Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.( Dr. B.R Ambedkar)
According to American political scientist Larry Diamond, democracy consists of four key elements: a political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; the active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; protection of the human rights of all citizens; a rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.
Democracy is a fair phenomenon of the people, by the people and for the people. Instead of practising monarchy or dictatorship, a fresh breeze of freedom swept the world. The wave was that of democracy which began as early as 508 B.C in Athens. Ever since, improvisation and upgradation has been modulated and with consistent changes we are what we are today; a democratic world at large. Barring a few countries, most of the world is a secular and a democratic world.
As a citizen of a democratic country India, what does this term mean to me? It means living in an environment which is free of radicals and free of bias and prejudices. It means living proudly and righteously serving the country with patriotism and duty. It means living with fundamental rights and duties, fulfilling each of them. It means voting and choosing leaders, trusting their impeachability.
The term democracy can be diversified and discussed endlessly. But the nucleus of the term is the fact that citizens get equal opportunities sans their religion, colour or geographical location. Their chosen leader symbolises their preferences. The leadership is not begrudging but picked. Over the years, religion has become a highlight therefore influencing the voting procedure all over the country.
As a result, Legitimacy has made a shift and inappropriate people are chosen for political endeavours they do not deserve. They take undue advantage of their position and power by manipulating their ulterior selfish motives. Such people have no interest in the progression and development of their assigned region. They would rather fill up their pockets with public funds and stay put. Their campaigning also involves bribing illiterate people and gaining votes. This may include distributing freebies like alcohol, food packets or other petty things that can allure ignorant people in voting in their favour.
India, at this moment needs correct direction in choosing their leadership cabinet carefully. When the country is on the verge of taking off to the development like never before, a corrupt and prejudiced leader can hamper its flight and ground it to let it perish. The required direction can be given by none other than the people themselves. They are the ones who have the power to decide the best in good faith for their country.
Awareness of one’s rights and confidence are the tools that will eventually enable the voter to choose a well deserving candidate. Democracy shall prevail in true sense only when the population of a country is adamant as a whole to choose what is right for them and when this democracy shall
prevail, it will bring happiness, security and success to the nation!
