In practice, democracy as a principle seldom overpowers the notion of democracy as an administrative practice. It is no different in India. Questions about the state of democracy come up only around crises of procedures like those related to elections or institutions like Parliament. Few seriously examine what values should mark democracy in a country like India where pluralism, diversity and tolerance are necessary for society to survive.
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-democracy-election-9316842/
Due to the structural inequalities of Indian society, B R Ambedkar considered democracy a value that the Constitution must protect and guarantee. Gandhi did not favour the constitutionalisation of democracy which, according to him, has to be preserved in society as an essential value. He did not want to privilege and legalise democracy as a part of constitutional morality over a traditional, social morality. In his view, it was not a part of our natural sentiment. Rather, it was artificially cultivated or externally imposed — which is in contrast to the “real” democratic tradition in India that flourished through religious co-existence.
The state’s position as “guardian of democracy” resulted in many unpleasant episodes, including the proclamation of Emergency by Indira Gandhi in 1975. What makes the present situation different from previous experiences is that the clout of certain kinds of organisations is no longer seen as abnormal. This happened during the Emergency as well – Sanjay Gandhi’s hold on the government is well-known. But the current regime has legitimised the sway of organisations like the RSS through popular means. The conditions of a working democracy may be the same for seven decades, but the principles and values have the potential to be altered.
by M H Ilia
09/05/2024
Data collected by the government of former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan showed that about 45% of Madhya Pradesh’s martyred soldiers were from the Bhind and Morena districts. If the neighbouring Gwalior district is included, the figure is even higher. https://thewire.in/society/chambal-agniveers-blacksmiths-carpenters-shopkeepers
But ever since the Agnipath scheme was launched, the situation has changed.
Chambal’s youth are becoming disillusioned with the army. According to Manu Sikarwar, a resident of Kailaras tehsil of Morena district, “it is a matter of pride to be martyred for the country, but if we are martyred, our family will neither get pension benefits nor other benefits that a regular army soldier gets.
by Deepak Goswami
08/05/2024
The Somaiya management "discontinued theassociation" of their Principal Parveen Shaikh
No Indian Express, supporting Hamas, and glorifying terrorists is not ‘political opinion’: Somaiya school’s Parveen Shaikh gets usual cover fire from Leftist media
https://www.opindia.com/2024/05/indian-express-somaiya-school-article-on-principal-parveen-shaikh-support-hamas/ Indian Express suggested that Somaiya School should stand by Parveen Shaikh and “serve as an example for education leaders across the country.” What example does the newspaper want set for educators? That you can blatantly support terrorists and rapists like Hamas and be proud of it?
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/why-a-mumbai-school-principal-should-not-be-sacked-over-her-social-media-posts-9304414/ Liking a post on social media that valorises a Hamas fighter after what happened on October 7 is not expected from a school principal, especially one who has a stellar record leading an institution. But if the management of the Somaiya School in Mumbai presses its demand for Parveen Shaikh’s resignation, it will hurt the school. It will also send a chilling message to its students, and future citizens: That the price for expressing a political opinion, even if it is unpopular, is too high. If the principal can be fired for this, why should students debate at all? The school seems to be another in a line of institutions, great and small, that are willing to sacrifice their autonomy and “cancel” employees for expressing an opinion. However, the Somaiya School saga, as it has unfolded so far, also offers a ray of hope. The silver lining in the entire episode is that Shaikh, rather than bending, has asserted her constitutional rights and sense of professional duty. ” I live in democratic India; I hold the principle of freedom of speech in high regard as it is a cornerstone of democracy… I will not resign because I have given hundred per cent to the organisation,” she said. A significant number of parents too have reached out to the Trust that manages the school to express their support for Shaikh. The Somaiya School should stand by its principal and serve as an example for education leaders across the country. And, as a professional who leads an institution of learning, Shaikh should realise that her “liking” a social media post may be personal but its import will be public. Also available at https://www.indiaacademicfreedom.net/school-education/why-a-mumbai-school-principal-should-not-be-sacked-over-her-social-media-posts
Comments on WA GS: We are seeing too many of these. Very few managements/organisations/groups seem to have the ability to push back against such organised state-backed vendettas.