17th August, 2 days after India celebrates Independence Day and there is something special. World’s largest democracy is facing a threat to its own roots. The reason: The ruling party is unable to allow the freedom of speech and that too a respectable person who represents India’s common man to the core. Is this just another lapse on the part of the government or is the democracy awaiting its boom?
Firstly, I will like to clarify that I’m neutral. Neither Pro-Anna Hazare nor pro- Central Government. The motive of writing this article is acknowledging the ignorance of Indians to the cause of Lokpal. Lack of awareness is the worse that can happen to democracy as I came across a lot of people who are simply ignorant about the issue. And there are others who just forward the chain of messages, upload it as their status or even tweet to get followers without verifying if the information is true. So, the first point I will like to make is knowing:
What is Lokpal Bill? ;
What part of it do Anna Hazare and his supporters want?
What part of it government disapproves and why?
Next, I will like to showcase those people who think that Anna is anti-government and so they don’t want to attend his rallies and support him in any way. For them, I think the first step can be to know the reasons what motivated Anna to take up such a cause and why does he enjoy such a popularity amongst the common man. So, they can start by attending one of his supporter’s sessions.
Also, there is another set of people who just support for the sake of it. Without knowing the agenda and the larger picture, they are the first ones to shout out foul slogans to our politicians. Also, they’re simply agitated because of lack of belief in the corrupt system.
Besides, the reason I write about this cause is that it is one of the biggest and most influential apolitical movement which India could have. Also, the use of Gandhiji’s philosophy and satyagraha has made it unparallel. So, by the time you guys find out what’s more to it, let me just make an effort to make more Indians aware of this 2nd Freedom Struggle: Freedom of Knowledge! Jai Hind!
8 comments:
For reference, to know more about Lokpal Bill, please see:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-06/mumbai/29387852_1_lokpal-bill-chief-justice-ombudsman and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lokpal
Just came back from the rally at Azaad Maidan. Had gone even yesterday so this is first hand experience!
Good post Saahil. In your next posts I would like you to write on the role of youth in such movements & the importance of awareness of the social issues.
its great to see the details......apparently takes ur knowledge one step ahead but Bob Dylan once said 'Democracy don't rule the world, You'd better get that in your head; This world is ruled by violence, But I guess that's better left unsaid'.
but good work....we want more!
It is very easy for people to say that they support Anna or the government, but in reality very few of them actually know what the conflict is about. I am doing a survey on this and it is alarming to have people asking me what is the difference between Lokpal and Janlokpal.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEJ3bkxVNk9ZSVNPdWZrMVBTQWFYb2c6MQ
this is the link to my survey for my project. Plz do fill it.
The following is as I see it a manifestation of people's frustration with corruption and Anna symbolizes this. I am happy to see the youth rise but would request everyone to be well informed before becoming mass supporters. Well done Saahil for your effort!!
A good post trying to neither flow into the ocean along with hordes of others nor strive to be contrarian. This is a complicated issue where things are not in the black and white nature people seem to be putting it out as.
There is also the issue of the media. The role of journalistic media is to provide news bulletin in an unbiased manner without an influx of personal vendetta or opinions. Sadly this entire movement was terribly hijacked by the Media including some english channels like Times Now.
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