Ex-law minister’s new book takes a look at ‘Democracy in Retreat’
In the political cacophony of the day, former Union law minister and veteran parliamentarian Ashwani Kumar stands out as a public intellectual, dignified in his assertions. Despite his firm convictions and ideological preferences, there is not even a hint of personal rancour against any individual or party. His new book, A Democracy in Retreat: Revisiting the Ends of Power, is a testimony. In this book, the author argues that a nation born to freedom will live in freedom as long as we remain unswerving in our commitment to individual liberties and compassion for the oppressed. He buttresses the argument with a lesson from history: those who feel robbed of their dignity cannot be tamed by a muscular state. The book’s 32 chapters reflect his deep commitment to constitutional fundamentals and our collective obligation to protest against injustice in its varied manifestations.
As a practitioner of law and one who is closely connected with politics, he reminds the reader that the function of law is not just to legitimise power but to ensure its accountability. The binding strand of the essays in the book, written over time, is the ideal of human dignity. He also draws attention to indications of a democratic deficit in the country.
In the introduction, the author gives a brief glimpse of his thinking. He writes: “On a personal note, the writings proclaim my avowed political and philosophical preferences as a liberal democrat irrevocably committed to the idea of justice and human dignity. We know that the splendour of our political and intellectual heritage is located in the pursuit of civilised power and “softness of humanity,” defined by empathy and fearlessness of the mind.” He further writes: “I end this introduction with a confession. Having exulted in the comforting and cathartic exercise of expressing myself thus, I am convinced more than ever before of the limitations of intellectual ruminations in brightening the course of democracy. This, as history testifies, is a burden of political mass mobilisation around principles, helmed by leaders who can rise above themselves.”
The author has been in public life for many decades and has held several key positions in the government. In the last two years, he has retained his individual identity, which is reflected in his writings. Hopefully, the role of public intellectuals like Ashwani Kumar will be increasingly felt in public affairs in the years ahead. The book will be released by former vicepresident Hamid Ansari in New Delhi on Wednesday, December 20.