- As the saying goes – do not ask the nation what it has done to you, rather ask what have you done for the nation – this aptly sums up how responsible citizens should show disposition towards nation-building with due diligence. The majority of the global community would be more or less unanimous in passionately discussing what their respective governments have contributed to ensuring smooth living conditions. We expect the government to extend every possible resource that goes a long way in making our living conditions manageable. Just because the government has been vested with powers of leverage to introduce socialist and welfare measures, the citizens cannot feel absolved of their responsibilities in joining hands with the authorities’ endeavors.
PC: PTI
- Mind you, the overwhelming majority of the global community will pine for a democratic form of governance where the people too have a say in the process of nation-building. Ask those citizens of countries where the dictatorship, aristocracy, military, and despots rule. Forget about people having a say in these countries, the governance will be a forceful imposition of views, rules, regulations, policies, and severe restrictions on freedom of speech/expression. Conversely, how badly people from those countries will be wishing to have a democratic form of governance that allows them to be partners rather than being treated as an unwanted lot? No wonder, people in a thriving and vibrant democracy like India should feel blessed to be an inalienable part.
- Now, one of the crucial arms of the democratic institutions is the Election Commission. In the Indian context, the Election Commission of India has performed extraordinarily well over the last few decades ensuring free and fair elections. The government authorities, different political parties, concerned civil society members, profound thinkers, and not but not least, the general public have an equal contribution to make in ensuring the democratic institutions are strengthened. As such, choosing the right candidate to represent assumes paramount importance in the larger interests of the nation. However, urban apathy towards anything related to an election is not only disconcerting but also defeats the very purpose of a vibrant democracy.
PC: Manmath Nayak
- The abysmal percentage of people coming out to vote on election day is universally acknowledged across the urban landscape. On their part, the Election Commission, along with government authorities, have time and again exhorted eligible voters to exercise their franchise at the hustings in very large numbers. But when D-day comes, voters invariably appear to be less enthused to cast their votes, showing up in smaller numbers. Avoiding the casting of the precious vote while blaming the administration for all the civic challenges bogging down urban dwellings has become the norm. Thus, actively participating in the democratic process of electing representatives is a must. As such, all eligible voters from urban areas should participate in great numbers. Will Karnataka set the tone?
