CAN’T BE DEMOCRACY IF PEOPLE UNAWARE OF RIGHTS

SARDARA SINGH JOHL, 90, INDIAN AGRICULTURIST AND ECONOMIST

One should be proud of one’s country in spite of its weaknesses. India is a growing and powerful economy and every Indian should feel proud that they belong to a secular country.

The country could not become a democracy in the true sense as none of its political parties are democratic. In a real democracy people are aware of their rights. Unfortunately, because of illiteracy, ignorance and poverty, individuals do not know anything about the powers they hold. People are carried away by the fake promises of their leaders. Elections in our country are still dependent on money and drugs. People are poor and ignorant and are not taught about voters’ responsibilities. Yes, as there have been several instances of leakage of information. People take money from banks and run away. India needs to invest in education, health and infrastructure. Poor people should get quality education. Those who beg on the roads are also our future. We value people who take the law into their own hands. This ‘hooliganism mentality’ will destroy the nation. Protests and incidents of violence are now common. Unless and until we own India, there is no threat. We are Punjabis, Bengalis, Haryanvis, Madrasis, Sikhs, Hindus, Jats and non-Jats, but not Indians. It’s a fractured society.