Saving Democracy, Removing Fear, Restoring Freedom
“Saving Democracy, Removing Fear, Restoring Freedom” - these words from the Indian National Congress’s election manifesto resonate with a profound truth that many of us hold dear. The essence of democracy is not just in the rituals of voting or the mechanics of governance; it is in the spirit of freedom that permeates every aspect of our societal fabric. In recent times, there’s a growing perception that the democratic institutions that were designed to be the pillars of our society have become mere spectators, overshadowed by the overarching influence of the executive. The Parliament, once the temple of democracy, is now seen as subservient, echoing the will of a select few rather than the diverse voices of a billion. But democracy is not a spectator sport, and it certainly isn’t the legacy of a single individual. It is a collective narrative, written by the many for the many. When the institutions that are meant to safeguard our freedoms become constrained, democracy is reduced t...