‘Democracy more than right to vote’
President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday, “Institutions are a mirror of national character. Today, we see widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the governance and functioning of institutions in our country.
Our legislatures look more like combat arenas, rather than those that legislate. Corruption has become a major challenge. We need a Parliament that debates, discusses and decides. We need a judiciary that gives justice without delays. We need leadership that is committed to the nation and those values that made us a great civilisation,” he said.
“We need a state that inspires confidence among people in its ability to surmount challenges before us. We need a media and citizens who, even as they claim their rights, are equally committed to their responsibilities,” he said.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s promise of self-rule based on tolerance and self-restraint and the promise of freedom from want and deprivation, Mr Mukherjee said India’s founding fathers created the first oasis in the desert of a colonised world nourished by democracy. “Democracy is much more than the right to vote every five years; its essence is the aspirations of the masses; its spirit must influence the responsibilities of the leaders and duties of the citizens every day,” he said.
The President said democracy breathes through a vibrant Parliament, an independent judiciary, a responsible media, a vigilant civil society, and a bureaucracy committed to integrity and hard work. It survives through accountability, not profligacy. “We have to pay heed to his advice as we work towards building a modern democracy,” he said. Concluding his speech with a reference to Bhagvad Gita where the teacher propounds his views, he quoted a verse, “Even as you choose, so you do. I do not wish to impose my views on the people. I have presented to you what I think is right. Now, it is for your conscience, for your judgment, for your mind to decide what is right.”
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