When I was a schoolboy studying in 4th standard or so, one fine morning we woke up to find that the names of many schools in our small town(Meerjapur/Mirzapur) had been changed.So the OmarVaishya School became Mataprasad Matabhikh Inter College and the names of other schools and colleges also underwent similar changes.The principle adopted,under government instructions, was that institutions should not be named after caste and community.This was done with a view to ensure better amalgmation of society so that caste,clan or religious considerations do not guide our informed decisions and the indian democracy may provide equal and just opportunities to all its people without bias or favour of any kind.
However,I find the clock has turned a full circle.In a democracy the political parties play an important role in shaping the future of the country by putting forth the issues and initiating debate on these issues.Looking at the lists of candidates of various parties it is quite obvious that national integration and social harmony are no longer on their agenda.On the contrary it is social discord and conflict that is being propogated in the.quest for power.If it is not so why would they give out detailed caste ,community and religion-wise break-up of their lists.Clearly they are not asking for votes on the ground of policies,development or merit of the candidate or even on the basis of past performance.
It is a sad day for the nation.In this quest for power national interests and ethics are easily given a go bye.To cite an example,some parties may demand increased representation for certain sections or community on the ground that their numbers have risen in comparison to the others.We know that there has been a national policy of population control and therefore any such demand is against the national policy.All parties share the blame although some may be more equal.
I wonder whether the Election Commission can do something in this regard.While it shall definitely not be prudent to interfere in the selection of candidates the parties may be advised not to publicise caste,community,religion wise break-ups and even the media may be advised not to publicse these details.These details may be of some academic importance but such studies could wait for some time after the elections are over.Elections must be contested on policies only.
However ,for this to happen,the educated and informed must take the initiative by leading debate and initiating thought-processes so that people could be better informed and may take decisions in national interest.I also want to call upon the intellectuals to actively participate in all stages of elections and especially in the final stage-- by going out and voting so that this great festival of democracy may bring happiness and blessings to all.
However,I find the clock has turned a full circle.In a democracy the political parties play an important role in shaping the future of the country by putting forth the issues and initiating debate on these issues.Looking at the lists of candidates of various parties it is quite obvious that national integration and social harmony are no longer on their agenda.On the contrary it is social discord and conflict that is being propogated in the.quest for power.If it is not so why would they give out detailed caste ,community and religion-wise break-up of their lists.Clearly they are not asking for votes on the ground of policies,development or merit of the candidate or even on the basis of past performance.
It is a sad day for the nation.In this quest for power national interests and ethics are easily given a go bye.To cite an example,some parties may demand increased representation for certain sections or community on the ground that their numbers have risen in comparison to the others.We know that there has been a national policy of population control and therefore any such demand is against the national policy.All parties share the blame although some may be more equal.
I wonder whether the Election Commission can do something in this regard.While it shall definitely not be prudent to interfere in the selection of candidates the parties may be advised not to publicise caste,community,religion wise break-ups and even the media may be advised not to publicse these details.These details may be of some academic importance but such studies could wait for some time after the elections are over.Elections must be contested on policies only.
However ,for this to happen,the educated and informed must take the initiative by leading debate and initiating thought-processes so that people could be better informed and may take decisions in national interest.I also want to call upon the intellectuals to actively participate in all stages of elections and especially in the final stage-- by going out and voting so that this great festival of democracy may bring happiness and blessings to all.
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