Democracy is a constant struggle..

Photo by DJ Johnson on Unsplash

On the eve of 15th August 2021, while India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, and deservingly so, one must not ignore what’s happening in its neighborhood — inevitable takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban organization. It’s ok to celebrate what our founding fathers achieved in the past, but more important is to remember that Democracy is never a done deal but a constant struggle.

Just because the Talibanis don’t dress in western outfits, speak fluent English and don’t look like us, we assume such takeover can’t happen in our society. But trust me, every religion, every country has enough corrupt minds, who, if given a chance, let alone your democratic rights would challenge your freedom of thoughts and ideas, in the name of God. And history has shown that no power, amount of money or military can contain such takeover.

So, what do we do as a normal citizen to avoid such takeover? Two simple things —

1. Political leaders are not Gods — Please don’t take your democratic rights for granted, no matter what your political leaning, continue to question your elected government. At the end of the day, you have a stake in your country. Presidents/ Prime Ministers are nothing but elected representatives who ‘You’ have chosen for a task. Keep questioning them, challenge them, don’t idolize them. The idea of democracy is not static, we continue to evolve as species and so does our identity. Please don’t get hung on ‘glorified past’ but strive towards a far better ‘un-imagined future’.
2. Educate your kids, especially daughters — so what’s the first thing Talibanis do after taking over any Afghani major city — restrict rights to girls and access to education. No matter what differences we may have, one thing that is unfortunately common across all known societies — females are the most vulnerable and first to be likely oppressed. We may not be there to protect our kids forever, but only education can outlast us. Empower them through information, teach them the right history, tell them about their rights and their implications. Imagine the millions of Afghani girls who potentially will now grow in a society completely deprived of any access to information and the fact that they are supposed to be if not better, at least equal amongst all.

Democracy is not a sport that you enjoy and celebrate watching on your TV while seated on a couch, but something that you will have to go out and participate actively. As Mandela said — “What is important is not only to attain victory for democracy, it is to retain democracy.”