"I am proud of Indian Democracy"

I learnt in elementary school that Democracy is government by the people, of the people and for the people; though when i grew up the definition blurred in my mind and I beloved it to be people (governed) by the government , (as per the wishes)of the government, and for the (welfare of the) government. There is a little bit of politician in every Indian and those who believe cricket is a religion in India are unaware that politics is a bigger religion. We take pride in discussing politics and we believe that it is our fundamental right to be the biggest critic of our political system. We take heart in blaming everything on the "System" and its custodians. Yet the system and its custodians have thrived and flourished as we continue to ridicule them. Our dissaray, disgust and discontent towards this "system" has seldom been able to translate into actions.

So what makes me say "I am proud of Indian Democracy'. Well for that we have to move a little out of our country and take a whirlwind tour of the world as to how different countries and its political systems (including democracy) are faring. Lets consider our neighbors first; Bangladesh is a failed democracy dominated by two begums both of whom have spent a considerable amount of time in jail following a coup by the army. An election is expected this December after nearly 5 years of military rule. Bhutan is the newest member of Club Democracy after its king shed its power in favor of a democratic set up early this year. Nepal is again a state dominated in the past by kings and rulers rather than by democratic elected governments. The king and its palace was toppled this year and Maoists who are self proclaimed militia gained power after democratically held elections. It has a long and rebellious history of failed governments and military intervention and coups. Sri Lanka is fighting Tamil Tigers as it tries hard to keep a grip over its democracy which has been marred by assignations and violence. China is thriving and flourishing, but its is the biggest and the most successful of the surviving communist governments with strong dictator like leadership. We have seen bloodless transition of power last time in China, but it faces huge challenges on humanitarian and social justice front. Government intervention and suppression of rights is a way of life for people in China and they are ready to accept and live with that as long as the government and its policies are providing them with means of subsistence and support. Little does the people understand that China's economy is growing on its exports and foreign demand for its goods and its is able to do that by suppressing domestic demand and not providing enough avenues for raising standard of living of its people. China has amassed huge physical infrastructure in the past three decades, but its social infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired.

Russia again is a perfect example of a growing and emerging economy being ruled by a Czar named "Putin". He can twist and turn the laws to his favor and become a prime Minister after his term as President expires and still continue to be the power center of Russia. Worst still, the judoka PM nominates one of his strong men as the next President. There are strict checks over Media and people of Russia patronize Putin for he gives them the satisfaction and hope of return of their lost glory in the world by his aggressive and dominant politics. There is a huge disparity of income and living standard in Russia and government encourages the rich to be richer. Doing business is tough in Russia, as government can put you in a jail for any anti Putin sentiment or activity (as happened with one of the richest man of Russia, who supported anti Putin parties)

Another nation in news recently for all the bad reasons was Thailand. The yellow mob supported by the king took siege of country's international airports in Bangkok and government offices only to cripple the government (which was elected amidst reports of vote rigging). Military supported the King and his followers for a second time in four year toppled a democratic government only to be replaced by the party that found favor with the king.

Zimbabwe, Somalia, Nigeria, Kenya are troubled states with moderate to high level of failure in governance. Zimbabwe particularyl is being ruled by a person, who I think is more lethal than any fission or fusion devise. His action or non action is driving droves of people to deep poverty, starvation, disease and malnutrition. Conditions have gone from bad to worse in a country which was once though to be a rising star in Africa. A truce with the opposition leaders is an eyewash and all seem to be hand in glove, in the worst "genocide" of this decade. Somalia and its infamous pirates yet again prove the point what a failed system or governance can do to a country. Youth in Somalia believe that pirate route is a better career prospect than putting you life on razor's edge in an area infested with local insurgency and poor living conditions.

To some better governed countries now. We consider US to be a perfect example of democracy and its immaculate telecast ed presidential campaign is the envy of any political setup. We take solace in showering heaps of praise on US system of Government and its conduct. I have some doubts, and some of them might be contentious. In US the entire set of government is too concentrated at the top and dependent on the personal charisma and leadership qualities of presidential candidates and their running mates. In India we blame Gandhi and Nehru clan for family dominated politics , but Bush, Clinton and now even Kennedy family's recent emergence in US politics must give us a sense of pride for developing a "Family Business Model of Politics" which even US is aping now. Point is why arn't we complaining about family dominance of politics in US, while our voice will go hoarse crying about such things in India.

Bush is a classic example of how a country and its political system highly depended on a single person, giving him sweeping powers can falter if such person turns to be incompetent or devoid of personal leadership qualities and charisma. Uncle Sam erred in voting Bush over capable leaders like Gore and the price which it has to pay comes in the form of two continuing wars, a sagging economy, weak social infrastructure and lack of direction going forward.

Obama promises changes, but I am highly circumspect after watching Bush in action for the last 8 years. He promises change, sure everyone wants that, but Mr Hussain (yup Barrack Hussain Obama) lacks experience in untested waters. The US set up undermines the role of opposition and they rarely play a constructive and active role in the Congress (rather they would like to wait for their turn to call the shots.)

I consider myself to be fortunate that I am born in a country where I enjoy my fundamental rights unconditionally. Rarely has the fundamental rights of the citizens being suppressed in India (except during emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi). Even the lone instance of emergency was punished with the change of guard at the centre after three decades of Congress Rule.

Judiciary and Presidency works independently and impartially (at least literally) devoid of any pulls and push from the executive set up. Federal character has flourished and emergency of regional parties at the national level and indicative of the representations of different regions and sub groups at the national level. Opposition plays a constructive role (rather more strictly than required) and cooalition politics keep arbitrary and dictator leadership and decision making at bay.

There are some byproducts of democracy when people regard us as a "Soft Nation" but I would take that tag any day for the freedom this democracy gives me. Caste and religion based politics and criminalization of politics coupled with corruption are the by products of democracy which are eroding its value. These things set right I am proud to live and be governed by a political system where everyone from the President to the Sarpanch, from Chief Minister to the union leaders, from Municipal Corp orators to the Market Trade Union Leaders are democratically elected.