The independence of India was achieved through the active participation of its citizens, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in shaping the nation’s destiny. However, in recent decades, there has been a noticeable shift where citizens have become passive participants in the political landscape, often being manipulated as tools for political agendas.
India, being one of the largest democracies, inherently values the involvement of its citizens in governance. The essence of democracy lies in its foundation by the people, with leaders being accountable to public scrutiny and questioning. Despite this democratic ideal, there has been a concerning trend where the public, which forms the backbone of the nation, is increasingly being instrumentalized for political gain.
Issues like religious matters, Aadhar linkage with bank accounts, controversies surrounding the hijab, Babri Masjid, Ram Mandir, CAA, NRC, and cow vigilantism often dominate public discourse. These discussions extend to questioning the government’s responses and the efficacy of various institutions like the administration, judiciary, and security agencies.
To delve deeper into these issues, it’s crucial to consider whether there’s a transition underway, shifting citizens from active participants in democracy to passive subjects influenced by political agendas. This topic was explored through discussions with key figures like Ziya Ur Rahman Sayyad, Zonal President of SIO Maharashtra North; PhD scholar Mulla Shavez, and Zainab Ali, MSc Biochemistry, LAC member of GIO Chennai.
Ziya Ur Rahman Sayyad, Zonal President SIO Maharashtra North
In 1942, Congress initiated the Quit India Movement against the British, leading to heightened tensions that made British control of India untenable. Consequently, they were compelled to grant India complete independence on August 15, 1947.
Immediately following Independence, the drafting of the Constitution commenced, with secularism forming its cornerstone. The Constitution delineates secularism as the principle that no religion influences its provisions, ensuring laws cater to the interests of all religious groups, thereby exemplifying unity in diversity.
India adopted a secular democratic welfare state model of governance, where citizens play a pivotal role. However, recent governmental shifts threaten this democratic foundation, veering towards authoritarianism and stifling dissent.
The current administration appears to exploit religious institutions for political gains, exacerbating communal divides. Minorities face internal hostilities, fostering fear and intimidation. Judicial independence is undermined as the government influences court decisions to its advantage.
The Digital India initiative ostensibly aims to streamline government-citizen interactions but risks further isolating the public from governance. Denying responsibility for citizen deaths due to oxygen shortages highlights governmental apathy.
Enactment of laws stripping citizens of their rights poses grave threats to India’s social democratic fabric, foreboding perilous repercussions. Raj Gopal Achari’s critique of political manipulation in elections resonates today, as electoral processes become increasingly expensive and undemocratic.
This skewed power dynamic undermines the essence of participatory democracy, highlighting a growing disconnect between rulers and the ruled. If current trends persist, India faces dire consequences, demanding readiness to confront its bitter fallout.
Mulla Shavez, M.A. English (Ph.D.)
To truly articulate the ideology of transition and distinguish between citizens and subjects, let’s break them down. When we encounter the term ‘Subject,’ we often think of subordinates in a military context or delegates in a monarchy. Subjects are loyal and trained to serve authority, bound by laws enforced upon them. They are expected to comply with the government’s mandates without expressing opinions or reactions contrary to the ruling power.
In contrast, citizens are self-governing individuals who contribute independently to society and possess rights to establish themselves as free individuals, acknowledged by the governing authority. This creates a significant yet permeable distinction between subjects and citizens.
Examining Indian society, whether it is transitioning from citizens to subjects is a complex matter with its own intricacies. In a country with a history where citizens were subjects for centuries, considering a transition back to being subjects is a disheartening notion. The necessity of this question arises from the surge in majoritarianism and exclusive narratives, promoting forced narratives favoring particular cultural or religious groups, thus fostering an “us vs. them” mentality and dividing citizens into “Loyal Subjects” and “Potential Threats” to the ruling power.
Another contributing factor to this ideology is the erosion of secularism in the country. The weakening commitment to secular principles and the rise in religious promotion undermine equal rights, creating a sense of being subject to a specific ideology rather than equal citizens with an ideal lifestyle. Nevertheless, India still upholds prevalent democratic ideologies suitable for its citizens.
As humans, it is our responsibility to self-analyze and redefine our perspective on the world, enhancing our livelihood by asserting our status as citizens of the world rather than succumbing to societal subjugation.
Zainab Ali, MSc Biochemistry, GIO Chennai
The concepts of citizenship and subjecthood have evolved over centuries, shaped by political, social, and economic dynamics. While both entail a relationship between individuals and the state, the distinction lies in the nature of power and governance. Historically, subjects were characterized by their subordination to a monarch or ruling authority, with limited rights and freedoms. Citizenship, on the other hand, emerged with the advent of democratic ideals, offering individuals a more participatory role in governance and greater rights and responsibilities.
In the context of India, the distinction between being a subject and being a citizen holds significant historical and constitutional implications. During the colonial era, Indians were subjects of the British Empire, subject to the rule of the British Crown without meaningful participation in governance or significant rights. This era was characterized by exploitation, oppression, and a lack of autonomy for the Indian populace.
However, with the struggle for independence and the subsequent framing of the Constitution, Indians transitioned from subjects to citizens. As citizens of India, individuals have the responsibility to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution and actively engage in the democratic process to shape the nation’s future. They also have the right to hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions, contributing to the ongoing evolution of India as a democratic republic.
While India has made significant strides in advancing the rights and freedoms of its citizens, challenges remain, including issues of social inequality, political corruption, and communal tensions. These challenges underscore the importance of safeguarding and promoting the principles of citizenship, ensuring that all Indians can fully exercise their rights and contribute to the nation’s progress.