- At the outset, let us all celebrate the fact that we as Indians are fortunate enough to live in a democratic society with its accompanying freedom and rights as guaranteed under the Constitution. We should be indebted to our forefathers’ selfless sacrifices forever in obtaining hard-fought independence. A vast and diverse country like India with its colorfully distinct cultural, linguistic, and traditional milieu spread across various regions offers something unique looked from any angle. Not for nothing, India is defined as an ethnic melting pot varying in its exceptionality but conjoined at the core as one big nation. The freedom so gained deserves to be preserved, sustained, and thrived come what may.
PC: Lauren Hough-Williams
- As much as freedom is exceptionally guarded, the essence of democracy to sustain vibrancy is to ensure participation of decisions in public policy by citizens, irrespective of the social standings an individual might be representing. One of the greatest advantages of democracy is the liberty it offers to air opinions which will be communicated to the decision-making body i.e., the Parliament through elected representatives. With the free flow of information made available via various mediums of communication, the common man and the last man standing also enjoys being heard speaks volumes about the inherent strength flowing from any democratic country. However, democracy is also intrinsically endowed with chaos as well.
- Make no mistake, the health of any democracy obviously rests on the foundation of governments being truthful about the current situation without attempting to obfuscate responsibility by hiding vital information. The modern-day world is built on the power of information technology and the various mediums on the back of technological innovation seamlessly provides whatever material one wishes to pursue in real-time. As much as democracy provides for the free flow of information, there are also attempts undertaken to restrict sharing of the same by the authorities. Yes, matters related to sovereignty and national security need not be made freely available, but curtailing other bits deserves questioning.
PC: Dorjee Khando
- One such attempt was made in the way the Information Technology Rules introduced in February this year imposing draconian restrictions on a responsible medium that is witnessing such a monumental growth. Undesirable consequences of those actions will be that fake news, which undermines the health of a democracy, is bound to proliferate through digital platforms freely available over the network. I am sure many of you would be aware that truth is inextricably intertwined with India’s motto and emblem. The onus is on the political class and citizens to realize these ideals to uphold at any cost. Thus, the commitment to search for truth is a key aspiration of our society.
- And the best way to realize this goal is to allow the plurality that characterises Indian society’s free expression without any hindrances. Moreover, democracy produces the best possible results when it provides different platforms for receiving multiple opinions. Encouraging honest sharing and consideration of multiple points of view from numerous quarters helps in arriving at welcome decisions for the general well-being of the country. Truth and honesty will ensure democracy prevails despite facing challenges aimed at harming the very institution that has come to symbolize our great nation. Let us all strive to retain the same.
