India Votes!

Core of Democracy: People!

So, again; we have an election around the corner… I simply love the enthusiasm in general public in India with every election. There is always an excitement and eagerness all around; whether it is general elections, assembly elections or ward elections.

Whether you meet a Paanwaala (small shopkeeper), or a cab driver, or a businessman, or a farmer in his yard; they all will talk about n number of problems that they have…Roads are not yet constructed, there are potholes during rainy seasons, there is water scarcity, there is no electricity, there is corruption, there is mafiaraj, and what not! However, as soon as you talk about the candidates or parties, they will tell you their preference quite emphatically. 60-70% of eligible population takes the pain to visit the pole booth (mind me, in villages; they need to travel miles), stand in the queue for hours; and vote for their favorite candidate or party.

On the D-day, apart from the candidates, and parties, the anxiety in general public is noticeable…I get gooses in my stomach too. It is like watching cricket match on television, hearing commentary on radio, people asking for frequent updates. And, then if your favorite wins, you celebrate, enjoy, share sweets. And, if your favorite does not win, you have a dim face, and justify various reasons for the loss.

Core of any democracy is its people. And, if we remain interested in voting, and inclined to drive our own future; our democracy will continue to thrive. Our Belief in the democratic values and system is what makes us unique. Leave aside the lone emergency period; we have managed to run our show on our own. We, Indians are very much into it; and want to run our system democratically.

Youth is more involved

I attribute success of any major action within a society to its youth. Old guard can be responsible for drafting, and penning the plan, but it is youth; who needs to execute to ensure success. By nature, Indian youth has always been involved into the elections process, and have been the vocal forces in their respective families, and decision makers about which candidate or party needs to win from a specific seat. Election Candidates are driving their election strategies around youth, and wanting to mobilize as much youth as possible behind them. Having support from youth is like winning the half battle.

There are a few exceptions reported about youth’s ignorance; however 60-70% voting is technically not possible unless young blood comes out and votes.

Election Commission – Efficient and Credible

Election Commission of India has time and again proved to be an important pillar of Indian democracy. It is remarkable the way they handle their job so efficiently, and ensure transparency and impartiality across the nation in all forms of election. It is not easy to handle the elections with such a huge population, and the challenges faced by such a ranging diversity of geography and demography in India…Kudos to this group, that elections are handled smoothly, and most credible way possible.

This group is respected by all the political parties, and individuals. Once the results are out, political parties accept the results whole-heartedly with nobody crying of foul.

Media playing a crucial role

In last ten years, I would say; the face of media has changed. The way, films portrays what’s happening in the society, the media or news channels should represent the society, arrange themselves based on the need of the society, and reach to the roots of the society. Regional news channels have been able to penetrate into the bottom of the society…Our, so called intellectuals appearing on English news channels may find it cheap news telling; however the changed face has helped public become more aware of happenings all around the nation, and the world.

Media is helping people to build and change a perception about candidates and party. It is definitely influencing people by providing or hiding information. But, the self-regulation imposed by Media in India is so strong, that it helps bring transparency, authenticity; and thus each media house wants to have impeccable credibility. Media is playing an extremely important role in Indian democracy, and in a way assisting Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections.

So, what am I doing?

I cannot vote myself, since I am away being in USA. I wished to have an online voting possibility. Howsoever never the less, I am excited to vote during the next election whenever I return back.

Requesting you all to exercise this right - visit your polling booth; and ‘Vote’.