Colour of Democracy – I

This was one of those instances which I call a “planned coincidence”. In the run-up to the elections in my state (the coincidence), I went for a show of ‘Rang De Basanti’ (the plan). Even though this was not my first “dekko” of this superb movie, this viewing was very relevant for me, in more ways than one. This time, the message has become absolutely clear. More than anything else, my feelings as a first-time voter (and the subsequent change in them) have been aptly reflected by the protagonists. This demands an elaboration. In very basic terms, a system or a unit is not an entity by itself. Its components contribute their identities to it. When it starts acquiring an identity of its own, the trouble begins. In our country’s context, this boils down to something quite clichéd – the case of ‘us’ versus ‘them’, where the latter is ostensibly the ‘system’(of governance, of the economy, society etc.). We point our fingers very conveniently at this ‘system’, which seems to have become a monster. We have no clue as to how this monster was born, we do not know what the vital organs of this monster are and so on. But, finding these answers comes through a very simple exercise – stand in front of the mirror; was that a clone of that monster? Or, did you miss it completely ?

Every alternate day, statistics keep pouring in regarding the profile of the Indian population. And all of them arrive at the same conclusion, screaming it from the rooftop – it’s a young country, people!! If its young, it is supposed to be energetic. So, how does it spend its energy? By earning pots of cash and using the same to party its heart out? Excuse me for this oversimplification. At the same time, there is nothing wrong in these activities. But, can’t the scope of expending this energy broadened? Before getting all fired up, why not do simpler things instead? One does not have to be rich or poor, dude or geek – to exercise adult franchise. Giving away this constitutional right is like disliking a dish even before tasting it. Okay, the items on the menu are not palatable anyway. But, if you want a better menu, why settle for mere commentary? To paint your democracy with bright hues, pick up the paintbrush. What does this translate as? The blue ink mark on the index finger, which hides a rainbow of possibilities under a monochrome. The outcome can be a greater cause to party about. I am all set for my day of expression…….to become a little bit wise.