Social Activism is a key to survival of Indian democracy

Social Activism is a key to survival of Indian democracy

Introduction
Social activism has an important role to play in ensuring the survival of democracy. It is not the only instrument for furthering democracy however. Social activists seek to engage civil society in a discourse about key issues, which is important for promoting democracy.

However, they are not the only ones who can ensure the continued growth of democracy in India. Active action by Indian citizens and civil society are also needed to ensure that democracy flourishes in our nation. It is the combination of sincere political leaders, ethical businessmen, visionary intellectuals, alert media, objective judiciary, courageous social activists and keen civic sense as well as patriotism which are important for keeping democracy alive in any nation across the world.

Viewpoint

• Social activism alone does not lead to the progress of democracy within a nation. It is only through active involvement of all other members of society that a nation can hope to keep democracy thriving and well.

Unprincipled social activism will not help any democratic nation. On the contrary, it will do damage to our nation. Activists with agendas such as gaining power or campaigning for money will not be able to sustain themselves in the long run. Nor will they help the Indian democracy in any way.

• Social activists do play an integral role in the maintenance of democracy. But social activism is not the key to the survival of democracy if political leaders are inept and businessmen resort to bribe giving and money laundering.

In such a scenario, not even the most determined social activist will be able to campaign successfully for any cause. If society is not alert about the changes that are happening, social activism can do little to maintain the healthy functioning of democracy in any nation.

• If the media does not resist the temptation to resort to paid news and slur campaigns emanating from political bickering across all party lines, the Indian democracy will be left in shambles. Social activists can lay down their lives, but it will not help their cause if the government and the corporate leaders continue to function in a self serving coterie.

• Democracy aims at putting the power in the hands of the people. But if citizens themselves are apathetic and not willing to get involved in key issues that are important for societal growth, then social activism become empty and meaningless.

• Whether it involves social issues or ecological concerns, activists are only able to speak up for the people if the media or the lobbyists do not stifle them. Parties with vested concerns can also interfere in matters and reduce democracy to a mere joke in the country.

• The recent black out of the Parliamentary proceedings on national television during the deliberation of the bill for Telegana is one of the examples of what political camouflage can do to impair democracy in our nation. Moreover, those businessmen who resort to bribes are using economic resources in our country for their own gains. This is a direct violation of the principles of democracy.

It is only with the support of social activism by celebrities and common man along with a principled media that once can hope to achieve transparency and accountability in India. This will restore the Indian democracy to its former glory.

Conclusion
Even if leaders attempt to raise issues, they can be faced with opposition from rivals or warring factions. This holds true for leaders belonging to several different parties in India. If the administration does not work with the leaders to implement reforms effectively, the cause of democracy can be lost forever. Social activism is just a part of the larger picture.