There can’t be two opinions on the importance of democracy in the present day world. Islamic movements also broadly agree that Shoora or ‘governance based on consensus of people’ would be the basis of Islamic governance in Muslim countries.
During his tour of America, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, has stressed the importance of democracy for India. Moving a step further, he has said that India’s democratic tradition is important not only for the country but it is a global good. Its collapse will impact the whole world. It is to remember that India’s golden struggle for Independence from the chains of colonialism produced a ripple effect on other countries which were trying to throw out the yoke of foreign bondage. At least a part of credit for introduction of democracy in dozens of countries of the world can go to India’s struggle for Independence.
At present India’s democratic values and traditions are facing the biggest crisis. Reigns of power are in the grip of undemocratic elements. They are hell bent on pushing the government towards one party rule under an authoritarian regime. They swear by democracy but want to impose their narrow concept of nationalism on the country. They give mere lip service to unity in diversity but are internally bent upon imposing a particular religion and an unscientific way of life on the diverse religions and ethnic entities of the country. Their policies are extremely divisive, anti-democratic and leaning on fascism. The intelligentsia are worried that hatemongering, suppression and injustice will take the toll of democracy. Added to these are the use of polarisation and appeals to unscientific and divisive values based on polytheistic concepts of life and the universe.
The country with the largest human population filled with thousands of ethnicities and greatest number of diversities cannot be suppressed by an unthinking and antidemocratic group. Mr. Rahul Gandhi was right that the democratic parties will join hands and do their best to bring back democracy in India. He was quite clear that this has to be done with us the Indians. But his warnings are in time that if federalism, all-inclusiveness and democracy fail in India, it will certainly have worldwide repercussion.
Two crore Indians are either settled or working in almost all countries of the world. They are deeply concerned about the diminishing democracy back home. At the same time all well-wishers of democracy and opponents of dictatorship are also looking at the battle for democracy in India. Their hopes are pinned on success of democracy. Their prayers and support are essential for Indian democrats. If democracy fails here, they also will feel let down.
Mr. Rahul Gandhi was somewhat evasive when questions were asked about the discrimination against the Muslims of India. But it was a fact that successive governments have been doing their bit to marginalise Muslims, Dalits and other oppressed segments of India. In Sha Allah the conscience of India will awake and the days of injustice will end and the sun of justice will shine again and the rays of love, sympathy and fellowship will fill the skies of India.
The last but not the least. Thank you, Mr. Young Gandhi, for pleading for democracy in India. We hope that the powers that be will view your words in constructive spirit and make the amends in the policies so that we may move towards an ideal India.