I have been following Indian politics for close to 20 years now, and one thing that irks me the most is the inertia that exists in the system. In the first quarter of the 21st century, we are witnessing exciting things - technology is becoming affordable, autocratic regimes are falling, new economies are emerging, bipolar or unipolar superpower regimes are falling apart, as people across cultures are getting connected interdependence between nations is increasing. In times like this, a country whose median age group falls in the 20s has unparalleled advantage. Yet political system in India is struggling to tap the potential which is waiting to explode.
Youth have taken to the street - demanding justice, laws, opportunities. The protests for Janlokpal, Delhi gang rape and many others are manifestation of the desire to bring about a change in the system. However, our so called leaders executive, judicial, bureaucratic and political class are procrastinating on the decisions they need to take. They will wait until things dampen out and subside. A leader, by definition is one who can inspire people to follow his path or ideas. Where are the leaders who can mobilize masses ? A leader in a democracy certainly does not hide in a fortress behind barricades and police force or struggle to read scripted speeches addressing orchestrated crowds. In 2014 elections, these people must be overthrown from their seats of power.
Many of these so called leaders are octogenarian, either in their age or ideologies. Their priority is satisfy their greed for money, power, luxuries -- they have no interest in welfare of the society. Consequently, overall result is a status quo. Take the case of hanging terrorists. The decisions were delayed to the point beyond which they could not be delayed further. The fall out reactions were also exactly as predicted. The pseudo secularists or communal nationalists, leftists, regional parties have shown their usual reactions, aimed at appeasing their respective vote-banks. The so-called human rights activists, were conveniently hibernating when innocent citizens died in blasts and attacks occurring every year, in some part of the country. When a deterrent punishment was pronounced, as expected, these lobbies they become vociferous, as if terrorists are the only humans in this country. The media and particularly journalists pretended to be independent and liberal - but as they are bound by their commercial or political affiliations or government jobs -- they launched veiled attacks on the other side. The judicial system worked at its own pace - their is no concept of time for them - if you get justice in your lifetime, you must be lucky. Bureaucracy, well known for red-tapism, sycophancy and corrupt practices, only helped to make matters worse in this case. Ironically, the separatists / terrorists are also becoming predicatable; a locality in Mumbai has been targeted thrice since 1993.
We need great force, to bring a change in the momentum of the system which will continue to be in a state otherwise. Fundamental changes need to be brought in electoral, judicial processes. We need laws to be reworked, systems to be made more participative. Democracy is not just about casting your vote; it is about a society which can think, and act in a collective and timely manner for welfare of everyone. We are fortunate that we are entering an era where communication is getting faster and better with research in science and technology. A truly participative governance is certainly feasible, if we embrace technology. If India aspires to be progressive and successful, she needs to overcome the inertia and unleash the latent potential. We need to believe in ourselves more than we believe our ancestors and their beliefs about god and the world. Dynasties and caste systems need to be broken. Existing orders need to be challenged. The only thing constant in life is change !
Youth have taken to the street - demanding justice, laws, opportunities. The protests for Janlokpal, Delhi gang rape and many others are manifestation of the desire to bring about a change in the system. However, our so called leaders executive, judicial, bureaucratic and political class are procrastinating on the decisions they need to take. They will wait until things dampen out and subside. A leader, by definition is one who can inspire people to follow his path or ideas. Where are the leaders who can mobilize masses ? A leader in a democracy certainly does not hide in a fortress behind barricades and police force or struggle to read scripted speeches addressing orchestrated crowds. In 2014 elections, these people must be overthrown from their seats of power.
Many of these so called leaders are octogenarian, either in their age or ideologies. Their priority is satisfy their greed for money, power, luxuries -- they have no interest in welfare of the society. Consequently, overall result is a status quo. Take the case of hanging terrorists. The decisions were delayed to the point beyond which they could not be delayed further. The fall out reactions were also exactly as predicted. The pseudo secularists or communal nationalists, leftists, regional parties have shown their usual reactions, aimed at appeasing their respective vote-banks. The so-called human rights activists, were conveniently hibernating when innocent citizens died in blasts and attacks occurring every year, in some part of the country. When a deterrent punishment was pronounced, as expected, these lobbies they become vociferous, as if terrorists are the only humans in this country. The media and particularly journalists pretended to be independent and liberal - but as they are bound by their commercial or political affiliations or government jobs -- they launched veiled attacks on the other side. The judicial system worked at its own pace - their is no concept of time for them - if you get justice in your lifetime, you must be lucky. Bureaucracy, well known for red-tapism, sycophancy and corrupt practices, only helped to make matters worse in this case. Ironically, the separatists / terrorists are also becoming predicatable; a locality in Mumbai has been targeted thrice since 1993.
We need great force, to bring a change in the momentum of the system which will continue to be in a state otherwise. Fundamental changes need to be brought in electoral, judicial processes. We need laws to be reworked, systems to be made more participative. Democracy is not just about casting your vote; it is about a society which can think, and act in a collective and timely manner for welfare of everyone. We are fortunate that we are entering an era where communication is getting faster and better with research in science and technology. A truly participative governance is certainly feasible, if we embrace technology. If India aspires to be progressive and successful, she needs to overcome the inertia and unleash the latent potential. We need to believe in ourselves more than we believe our ancestors and their beliefs about god and the world. Dynasties and caste systems need to be broken. Existing orders need to be challenged. The only thing constant in life is change !
