What Do We Actually Mean by Democracy?

 

Democracy is rated as the vital phase in human life. We evince from close quarters that all around the globe democracy has its profound impact upon human societies. To be elaborately speaking as per basic tenets of United Nations development goals. That all sections of our societies should be accorded basic amenities of life like food, clothing, housing, literary facilities etc. various others as such. In countries under American and European continents it has been observed from close quarters there is equality among all which spearheads macro development. In countries under European and American continents it is found that citizens are so proactive and accommodating. That paves the way to frame up proper evaluation about democracy. There lies no discrimination among citizens. A feeling of equality and amiability exists among all sections of citizens.

If we evaluate deeply about democratic setup at present. If we interpret it as such. I find this to be a mixed one. Before I delve deeply, let me state the number of nations. As per latest data I have, there are in all 195 nations existing around the globe. Among all it is found that 193 nations are part of UNO and balance 2 are independent nations like Vatican City and Palestine.

Basically there are more than hundred nations of the globe which indicates that there are prominent democratic setup. The nations where there are authoritarian ruling then problems badly creep in those nations. But the nations where the citizens are accorded complete freedom there the complete semblance of     democracy along with democratic setup are well noticeable. It is the aftermath of decolonization processes of the early phase of 20th century. Among all the Southeast nations, I find that Singapore (which was erstwhile part of British colony), is a glaring example of modern and upgraded democracy.

Very recently Russia Ukraine War and Israeli Palestinian War have thrown us an example how the democratic character has turned out to be a rusty one. On account of the above stated reason the common citizens of those nations have become irate and frustrated.

That is why it is advisable. In order to main transparent and clean democracy it is the responsibilities of all heads of state to deliver just and ethical services to all sections of societies. Hence all heads of state are fully committed towards citizens of their respective nation.

While coming to South Asian perspectives, it is interpreted as such, seems absolutely dismal. As we are well aware of that there are in all eight nations existing in South Asian Subcontinent. But in concurrence to my article, I have decided to delve deeply upon two closer and cordial nations, India and Bangladesh. In these two nations, pattern of democratic process is not moving out in its proper perspectives. In this regard, I appeal to my online readers of both nations not to comprehend my above views in its pejorative sense. Fact needs to be stated through my column.

Let me begin through Indian democratic movement. Indian democratic movement is being carried upon in its normal rhythm. New ministries have been formed after the just concluded elections in both nations. As per Indian democratic movement is concerned. We find that it is moving ahead on a faster pace.

Thus the basic features of Indian democracy are stated as such, free fair and frequent elections as per schedule, representation of minorities, citizens must strictly adhere to all constitutional norms and citizens must be accorded freedom of speech, each and every Indian citizen should have right to education, full independence to be given to judiciary, basic tenets of law should be equivalent for all sections of societies and finally minorities should be given equal rights. In order to throw light about Indian democracy, it is interpreted as such. That proper governance should be meted out throughout this vast nation India. If I state to my revered online readers that India is progressing in tandem with the development around the globe. Yes there might be some truth in my views but why there is discrimination among different sections of our societies.

The same scenarios are noticed around Bangladesh. What happened in that nation and is still going on is high despicable. Anyhow I shall highlight about India’s closer and cordial neighbor Bangladesh later on. This is because my perceptions pertaining to my thoughts sounds very similar to the later. However the mentality of common citizens of both nations sound’s similar.

Now as I am trying to make proper evaluation about democracy. But it would be unethical on my part in not highlighting broadly about the advantages of democracy.

There are various advantages of democracy. Among all some of the common ones are stated as such, it helps to solve common and creamy issues mutually, common people’s interests badly need to be safeguarded, it enhances equal mental makeup among different classes of citizens, democracy if properly interpreted paves the way towards stability among us, it is involved in speedy decision making faculties of humanity, ensures peace and motivates to become an honest and pleasant citizen.

Apart from the above there are some characteristics of democracy. Among all some of the common ones are stated as such, elected representatives of citizens, ensuring of citizens freedom, independence to judiciary, full democratic rights to the opposition parties and tolerance, cooperation and compromise among all sections of societies.

It is also our humble task to touch upon about the importance of democracy. In the countries under Western World we find we find that democracy is interpreted in a more matured and astute manner. Whatever is stated in the basic tenets of the constitution of those nations are well adhered to by the citizens. That is laws and order situations in those nations are well controlled.

While touching upon democratic situations in South Asian Sub-Continent. Not all but in nations like India and Bangladesh, there lies a big question mark in the mind of all political analysts of the both nations. In this regard I appeal to my online readers of both, not to be aggrieved at my comments. I being an Indian national by birth, always cherish democratic character of Bangladesh should be more active and vibrant. What happened in Bangladesh very recently sparks of valiant reactions among the citizens as well as that of in India. This is because of similarity of social and political culture of both nations. I as a political analyst from Kolkata, India. Always believe that our political culture has become so corrosive and hoodwinking. That provokes common citizens of both nations for complete ruination of us which ultimately destroys macro development of the citizens.

 The key issues which augur upon us. That Medias of different types should portray such information and news which in one way bears a reflection of a derogatory and obscene culture in both nations. Our politicians are so corruptible that throws upon all sections of societies a patchwork of crudity and meanness. Couple of days back I noticed ninth anniversary of a television channel named News 24 based in Dhaka. On that occasion it was noticed that one senior person of the group. Welcomed all members of the group. As I am not aware of the gentleman’s name. Hence could not mention his name. However he wished all members a happy journey along with necessity of truthfulness and ethics. So that Media is able to establish confidence upon common citizens of Bangladesh as well as that of neighboring India. In India too all electronic, print and social Medias always emphasize upon ethical journalism.

It is interpreted as such. That if the Medias of India are truthful and ethical oriented. The scenarios become very clean and upright in front of diverse societal culture of India. Though India is a developed nation. That is highlighted all around the globe. But still on certain aspects there are quite a wide gaps existing in our democratic setup. This needs to be overcome badly in order to transform our cultural so that we retain pristine glory of us. In the same manner, the democracy of Bangladesh should be more proactive and vibrant. There are lot of positives noticeable among the citizens of Bangladesh. The entire globe always wish that Bangladesh must strive forward for excellence. The recent political and social unrest is a glaring instance in this regard. That is why it is highly appreciable that Bangladesh should regain the lost ground once again in the same momentum with other nations of the globe. The way democratic pattern of other parts of the globe is progressing. In the same manner why not Bangladesh will strive to progress.

Proper evaluation of democracy is not that for the sake of doing so. We, the entire humanity, should transform our mental upliftment in such a manner. That becomes more conducive to make our vast nation a further develop one. Along with our democracy and democratic character will prosper more. Rational minded citizens of India as well as the common ones cannot deny at all. Lastly repeating once again democratic revivalism in Bangladesh should be attached due importance like neighboring India.


Sujayendra Das is a columnist
based in Kolkata, India.