The Peoples’ Democracy……..

It’s heartening to note and see the maturing of our Democracy. The wisdom and grace shown by Mr Anna Hazare team and the Govt in resolving the issue augurs well for our ‘young’ democracy – a sort of coming of age ! It can’t be and should not be seen thro the narrow spectrum (though spectrum is one of the causes for the whole issue!) as a victory of one over the other. Media uses phrases like ‘the Govt blinked’ – its irresponsible. The whole event, however shows how, far removed are our ‘netas’ from people. It is similar to what happens in big companies. The ones at the top and responsible positions have no idea of ground realities of customers nor their changing preferences. Political systems also throws up such situations- the current one is an example. Will the Lak pal or Jan Lok Pal eliminate corruption? No one is novice even to think in those terms. But if it helps to ‘instill a sense of fear ‘ on the corrupt – then it has done its job. No, we have or no one should have any intention of undermining the supremacy of our Parliament. In our democratic system, Parliament is sovereign and supreme law making body. Nothing can be above the will of Parliament. However, in practice Parliament has become ‘ self serving’ and hence agitations and Satygrahas like the one we see today. Make no mistake, no one is advocating anything above Parliament/ judicial review. Also, we need to ensure that in this euphoria, we do not end up creating another ‘ Frankenstein Monster’ - A Lokpal which is law by itself ! To bring more accountability and to ensure that law takes its course with out hindrance, we need to limit to 10 yrs/ 2 terms constitutional position of individuals. This is nothing new, most of the established democracies have such limits on individuals’ ‘ability to manage’ Finally, am thrilled that in the current world of ‘ Absolute violence’ a non violent means like Satyagraha has delivered and delivered in abundance! On a lighter note, we need to thank the Rajs, Kalmadi s and Thomases for making this happen. Even the darkest night is followed by light at Sunrise ! Jai ho …………….. Thanks Tony Augustine.

They cry For Democracy and We cry About Democracy !

That is the pity we Indians face. West Asia and Arab world is still rocking for change , a change to democracy. Now we need one against the blanket corruption that has enveloped and corrupted our civil society unfortunately aided by our liberal democracy. There is so much latent revulsion against the rampant corruption that it has been waiting for an enlightened soul to ignite the fire. I think and hope that the efforts by Mr Anna Hazare will resonate with people at large. The magnitude of corruption in India and the overall success of people's revolutions across the world are helpful factors to impart ' Escape Velocity' to this propulsion to break free. Some more respectable social activists, bollywood ( Aamir has already joined) , Sports personalities, Artists etc can help it to really make it a peoples movement- not to be hijacked by vested interests. This movement need to rock the ' Temple of our Democracy ' - the Parliament which is nothing but a Den of thieves ' except a few occupants. I hope and wish that Mr Anna Hazare succeeds and his success is a must for the success of India. Govt and politicians have a respond and respond fast for an acceptable Lok Pal bill. 'Thieves alone can't be allowed to decide on the punishment for 'Theft' Thank you.