EDITORIAL: ENLIGHTENED ELECTORATE (May )
By Unexhibited
Summary
The editorial reflects on Swami Vivekananda’s 1897 observations about democracy and its challenges, particularly in the Indian context. He emphasized the impracticality of immediate democratic organization in India due to limited education and sectarianism, advocating instead for a dictator to guide the nation until the masses were ready for democratic participation. This sentiment resonates with the 2019 Indian general elections, where concerns about voter preparedness and political integrity persist. The article critiques unchanging political corruption, citing Swami Vivekananda’s warnings about politicians exploiting power and the 2019 Election Commission’s seizure of illicit goods worth ₹2,550.75 crores. It advocates for an enlightened electorate, drawing from the Mahabharata’s criteria for ideal leaders—modesty, self-restraint, truth, and courage—and Gandhi’s vision of democracy as a synthesis of physical, economic, and spiritual resources for the common good. The editorial highlights the Election Commission’s SVEEP program to educate voters but critiques the neglect of spiritual values in post-independence governance. It calls for the Rajarishi ideal, blending kingly leadership with sage-like wisdom, emphasizing self-restraint and balanced development of mind, heart, and body. The piece concludes with a prayer for blessings from Buddha, Shankaracharya, and Ramanujacharya to strengthen India’s democratic endeavors.
Conclusion
Swami Vivekananda’s prescient insights into democracy’s challenges resonate starkly in India’s 2019 electoral landscape, where the ideal of an enlightened electorate remains elusive. Despite the scale of voter participation, the persistence of corruption, materialism, and unethical political practices underscores a critical disconnect between democratic theory and practice. The seizure of vast illicit resources during elections highlights systemic flaws, while the absence of spiritual and moral grounding in governance perpetuates cycles of exploitation. Vivekananda’s vision of a selfless, educated electorate, rooted in self-restraint and transcending sectarianism, remains unfulfilled. The Rajarishi ideal—merging leadership with wisdom—offers a path forward, demanding citizens and leaders cultivate integrity, clarity, and spiritual awareness. Only through such transformation can India’s democracy evolve into a true reflection of collective welfare, guided by truth and unselfish action.