वोट किसे दें और कैसे दें?
By आचार्य तुलसी
Summary
The text discusses the state of Indian democracy, arguing that it was adopted without adequate preparation or public training. It suggests that while the desire for freedom was strong, there was no system in place to educate citizens about democratic responsibilities. The author contends that the public was never properly instructed on the meaning of democracy, the value of a vote, or the duties of voters and elected officials. This lack of training has led to a situation where democracy is often seen merely as a means to gather votes, with student elections becoming contentious. The text proposes that a solution lies in comprehensive public training on democracy, outlining several points that such training should cover. These include understanding what the public and system should be, the true value of a vote, the qualifications for both candidates and voters, the election process, and the responsibilities of elected representatives. It acknowledges that implementing this training is a long-term goal, and with elections imminent, immediate action might seem like "digging a well after a fire." However, the author disagrees with the idea of doing nothing in the short term. The author also addresses the notion that no candidate is worthy of a vote, stating that good people do exist but may be inactive, indifferent, or fearful. The text emphasizes that while asking for votes is acceptable, the manner in which votes are sought and given is crucial. It criticizes voting based on caste, religion, or party and warns against electing individuals involved in corruption, crime, or those who would do anything to win. The author expresses hope that recent shocks to the system can lead to greater awareness and that voters will seek out and support individuals of character. The text concludes by mentioning a program called "election purity" and states that the author's dream is for the country's image to be clean and beautiful, while clarifying that their organization does not intend to join active politics or support any specific party.
Conclusion
The document underscores that India's adoption of democracy was driven by the fervor for freedom rather than a prepared, trained citizenry, leading to a persistent lack of democratic consciousness and resulting in electoral malpractices, caste-based voting, and the rise of self-serving leaders. The author argues that the absence of systematic civic training has allowed corruption and unethical conduct to flourish, tarnishing the sanctity of institutions like Parliament. However, the text offers a path forward, asserting that current crises can serve as catalysts for awakening. The proposed solution is a comprehensive, value-based education in democratic principles, including voter responsibility and candidate integrity, to reform the system from its foundations. Ultimately, the document calls for a conscious electorate to demand and elect virtuous, capable representatives, thereby restoring the purity and effectiveness of Indian democracy for future generations.