“Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people” - Abraham Lincoln.
Though there are various interpretations of democracy by political-thinkers, bureaucrats and philosophers, but this one memorable quote by Abe Lincoln aptly summarizes them all. Yes, a democracy is vested in the hands of a people. It is we, the people who make or break a democracy. So how far did the largest democracy in the world, India progress by adopting a democratic rule? Is democracy really hampering our growth? Forget all this. Are we really a TRUE DEMOCRACY?
Before searching for our answers, we should agree to the fact that no system is foul proof and each has its own merits and demerits provided how we tend to use it or misuse it. By adopting a democracy we are still a better off country when compared to countries like China and several Arab countries. The people of India are still entitled to elect their own leaders and name them as protectors of realm. Democracy has provided everyone with food, work, education and more importantly self expression. Self expression and freedom of innovation are two great aspects of a vibrant democracy. They breed progress and real development of a nation, on any given day. It provides social security to all the sections of the society. Democracy served the purpose it intended to and it is the only way through which India will ever achieve any progress.
So then what is hampering our real growth? The crux of democratic governance lies in the fact that though it is arguably the best form of rule in the 21st century, it is pretty difficult to establish a democratic rule (that too in a country where there is a huge diversity in culture, traditions, language, customs, rituals etc from state to state.) The Indian democracy is largely vested in the hands of rural public. The uneducated and illiterate citizens tend to get affected by vote bank politics, caste-ism and regionalism (These factors affect the election results big time!) largely owing to our diversified society. (Thanks to Unity in Diversity too). Nepotism, Red Tape-ism - you name it. It only goes without saying that even a Standard I child speaks about bribes in this country. Hierarchy and bureaucracy cause delays big time. All said and done a democracy still gives a chance to (or rather is bound to give a chance to) a politician who successfully failed (read corrupted) in his first term by all means and sorts. This is undeniably not acceptable. But we can only hope for a meager change to our otherwise bleak future.
But I'll conclude this post by only saying that a true democracy is never a hindrance to real growth. It largely depends on how we try to twist it owing to our personal interests. On a personal front I feel that if every citizen starts working towards a vested interest in the society, then democracy truly achieves its real purpose and harbors real prosperity.
P.S Please keep in mind that a big super power bursted in 1991 for the obvious reasons. Now if there is any new super power which is awaiting the same fate in near future i.e PRoC. So all Hail Democracy.
