Anupam- The Dreamer

In the backdrop of the evolving situation in South Asia

The recent revolution in the neighbouring country Nepal, that forced the government functionaries including their Prime Minister to resign, has again put in focus the democratic ideals and need to be responsive to the aspirations and wishes of the people. The ministers and the elite in the Nepalese society were blamed to be out of touch with the ground realities and instead were living lavish lifestyles alongwith their nepo kids. This was all the while when the common people were suffering from the rampant corruption, unemployment and poor governance. Nepal has seen more than 15 governments in the last 17 years, and several Constitutions framed, adopted and then put to dustbin. And yet after so many trials and tribulations, still the roots of democracy are not deep in Nepal.

Similar is the situation with most of the nations in South Asia like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives. All became independent around the same time as India, but no country has been able to ensure democratic form of government since becoming independent. There have been military coups, mass revolutions by common people for basic rights, failed promises for a better future, and entrenched poor governance in these nations, which has led to massive poverty, unemployment, lack of basic services like health, education, sanitation, etc. No doubt why these countries are at the bottom of the several Human Development Indicators. They are caught in the vicious cycle of poor governance leading to lack of basic services resulting in discontentment of people which again feeds poor governance. In this backdrop, the democratic traditions of India assume far greater importance.

India shines as a beacon of hope for democracy in the otherwise tumultuous landscape of South Asia. Since independence, India has seen universal adult suffrage, regular elections, peaceful transfer of power from one government to another, poverty reduction, hunger eradication to a large extent, improvement in living conditions, and environment of freedom and safety for her citizens. This is not to say that our democracy is perfect. We have had our own shares of problems and issues in this arduous journey of development. But this does not belittle our great achievement of providing a safe environment for our people to live and meet their aspirations. If we can sleep at night safely without having to worry whether we will wake up or not tomorrow, then is it not a big thing? If we know that we are safe in our homes, without being forced into cycles of violence, then is this not a big achievement? Sometimes, the things that we take for granted are not available to millions of people in our neighboring nations and elsewhere in the world! They don’t know whether they will wake up tomorrow in a peaceful environment or not. They don’t have security of life and property. They don’t know whether they will get basic services like affordable food, education etc. They don’t have basic rights like freedom of speech, right to equality, right to freedom of religion etc.

So, what is the missing link here, which makes India different from our neighbouring nations? The geographical conditions, climate, resources are similar between our nations. The colour of skin, races, etc. is also similar. But, the essential thing which separates us from them is our firm belief in democratic ideals, traditions and morals that has stood the test of time since hundreds of years. The ideas of freedom to express one’s own views, tolerance to the opposite views from others, traditions of discussions and deliberations, ahimsa (non-violence) and truthfulness, living in harmony with the people of other faith and religious beliefs, etc. have been a part of India’s history since ages. And all these ideals have contributed in making our society inherently democratic, much before the current democratic setup came into being after independence in 1947. Therefore, it was easier to sustain democracy in India because the cultural traditions that we have inherited from our forefathers support the conditions in which democracy can prosper. So, democracy is intricately and essentially linked with the moral values that are hallmark of a particular society. If the moral values are strong, the democracy will be strong and vice-versa.

And mind you, it takes a lot of moral courage in upholding the democratic traditions! For example, if you are in power, it takes courage, patience and tolerance to hear views which are not as per your liking. It requires strength of character to hear your own criticism. It requires virtues of altruism and brotherhood to divulge your share of wealth with the other poor people of your country. It requires magnanimity to give opportunities to other people to rise up to the same level as yours, even when they can diminish or even take up your power one day. Giving up power is not as easy as it seems after losing elections. It requires large heart to accept defeat and allow peaceful transfer of power. See what happened in the USA, when the incumbent President and his followers refused to give up power even after facing defeat in 2020. See what is happening in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives. The army and the ruling elite don’t want to give up control over governance, the political leadership is too selfish to see anyone’s interests, and people are ever-ready to usurp resources for their own benefit as soon as they grab power. Democracy is indeed not for the morally weak people. Those who cannot be virtuous in their own lives can never appreciate and cherish the ideals of democracy. The morally weak people understand only the language of violence, hatred and ill-will and would rule their people like the animal kingdom, where only the might is right and there is no rule of law.

It takes a lot of moral strength and character to be able to truly cherish the democratic ideals and propagate the same in others. I hope that India can lead others, in general, and our neighbouring countries, in particular, in adopting, following and propagating these ideals in their governance. Unless, the people of the sub-continent will form firm belief in these ideals, there can be no everlasting peace in our region. The path to peace and prosperity for all passes through democratic values and not through monarchies, autocracies and military rule. The earlier people understand that, the better it would be for all of us. For democracy and for India as a beacon of democracy ✌