Over the last couple of days, I have been debating with myself over the subject for this week’s column. Having written about the pandemic and not wanting to seem obsessed with our current shared misfortune, I wondered how can we remain unaffected by the raging fire that’s threatening to overwhelm the NHS in the UK or that has forced South Africa into another strict lockdown or reports of new strains of the coronavirus being found. There is a new lockdown in China too. Some may not sympathise with China as the place where the coronavirus first manifested itself or for China’s failure to sound the alarm and prevent the global spread of the virus that eventually caused a pandemic. The virus does not distinguish between victims. We sympathise with affected people everywhere and convey best wishes for good health to all.
Developments in Washington this past few days grabbed headlines. Out of control mob of unruly people, making an assault on the hallowed institution of democracy, engaging in violence that led to the death of more than one person, invading the dignity and privacy of high offices, were some of the unbelievable scenes that exploded through the media in front of a shocked and astounded globe since 6th January. The mob wanted to reverse the verdict of the people, delivered in the recently held elections in USA. As I write, the Democrats are working on the second impeachment of President Trump under whose watch this happened. Even if swift and appropriate action is taken against the culprits of the violence, the long-term damage to US reputation and standing, would need hard work to recover.
USA built its democratic values through decades of hard work and commitment. We all remember the definition of democracy given by President Abraham Lincoln - a government of the people, by the people and for the people. There can be no simpler way to explain what democracy means. Democracy is a system of government that is not only chosen by the people, but one that is accountable to the people and governs in the people’s name for the benefit of the people. How did a country devoted to this lofty ideal manage to reach this low point? Many columns have been written on this subject and much is circulating through the electronic and social media. It is reassuring that President elect Joe Biden has underlined the values that USA stands for. All people committed to democracy and freedom, wish to see the beacon of democracy upheld.
India is the world’s largest democracy. While laying the foundation stone of a new Parliament building in New Delhi, PM Modi described democracy in India as a “value, a way of living and the soul of the nation’s life”. The US is often said to be the oldest democracy with its written constitution and over 200 years of continuous democracy. The UK has a credible claim as the world’s oldest democracy; it is responsible for establishing many of the democratic principles that we know today, especially through the Magna Carta. Countries like Isle of Man, San Marino and Iceland also have old and established democracies. Ancient Greeks are supposed to be the originators of the term: the Greek word ‘demos’ meaning ‘people’ and ‘kratos’ for ‘strength’. India has known the concept of democracy through the independent ‘republics’, ‘sanghas’ and ‘ganas’ that existed as early as the 6th century B.C. The Licchavi Republic is best known amongst them.
As I write on 12 January, I pay a tribute to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary. He took Hinduism and Indian culture to Western societies. Nehru Centre in London has organised an online conversation with author, historian and journalist Hindol Sengupta which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/BnYAwVxOd54v that will explain ‘The Universal Appeal of Swami Vivekananda’.
Let me close with congratulations to the all women team of Air India pilots who set a proud record by flying the longest flight from San Fransisco to Bengaluru over the North Pole, covering a distance of around 16,000 km.
