Dr. John Mohan Razu
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n his address to his fellow citizens on the eve of Republic Day, President Pranab Mukherjee made a candid reference to the current impasse that exists in our political domain that creates animosity leading to divisiveness and distortions. He inferred religion being used as the tool of all contestation and conflict that subsists in our society. Religion continues to produce hysteria and the fringe become hysteric by making others frantic. Religion has been used by the fringe groups as the reservoir of producing hatred and conflict, instead of establishing peace, amity, harmony and oneness. He also inferred societal development seemed to have been stalled which given rise to societal disharmony in our society. He also reminded the government that the people for the first time elected a government with full majority in 30 years, and it is now for the government to take peoples’ mandate that was reposed on them more seriously.The Indian President also made references to some economic indicators that shows positive mood for high growth trajectory, but reminded those in power and authority that enacting legislation without discussion in Parliament is nothing but a breach of trust reposed by the people with the legislators and the government. All of us are aware of the fact that without any deliberations and debates the government at the centre has taken major policies directly for enactments. The President cautioned that without a functioning legislature, there can be no government. His inferences implies: Any vibrant democracy should deliberate matters of importance in Parliament and take decisions appropriately. Without debates and consensus if policies and laws are enacted with the help of brute majority and taking them to the Executive is a mockery to the governance that the present government keeps voicing.
These are the wise words that resonates many things and many meanings. The current government at the centre has mixed religion and politics in such ways to advance its sectarian and chauvinistic politics by dividing the people on religious realms. On this day we are reminded of many things as We the People of India. The people of India time and again have proved that their belief in the franchise is unquestionable and thus showed their wisdom in electing governments of their own choice and liking. The people of India are the main pillars and subjects of functioning democracy in India. People of India are aware of the article of faith which is connected to their right to vote. Our democracy should become more participative and emancipative with the Indian citizens at its core.
The centrality of the Indian Republic is a narration of the Indian citizen’s tryst with democracy. Our democracy is maturing year after year and certainly all through these six decades. Six decades of democratic practice and traditions has augmented the citizens to uphold democratic principles and values while electing their governments, both the state and the centre. We the people have firm faith in our democracy which is rooted in our constitution. Constitution is the blue print and Working Book that directs our democracy to function. Republic becomes functional only in and through the Constitution because it acts as the guarantor of our democracy and the spirit of our citizenry. Indian democracy went through many hurdles and has come of age. Those who try to sabotage the cherished values of our democratic values and principles shall never be allowed to succeed. We the people of India have proven time and time again to protect our democratic heritage and way of life of each and every citizen of our country. Hence, the will of the people becomes paramount in our democracy.
The article of Faith is enshrined in our Constitution and it is our right. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of our constitutional design, underscored the momentous importance of making our constitution as the prime mover as well as the foundation of India’s political democracy grounded on One Person, One Vote, One Value. The people as the citizens is the fulcrum of our Republic and it cannot be taken for granted. In volatile times, it is the Constitution the guides and for the Constitution to work it is the people of India who are responsible. And therefore, as our Constitution keeps echoing democracy, democracy eventually is of the people, by the people and for the people.
