Change: Choosing the direction

On the "Porngate of Vidhan Soudha'

Icons of ideal political units are becoming more and more a part of our imagination with each passing day.

Vidhan Soudha; an emblem of political matter in our country is said to have tied itself with aspects of immorality. Thus the propagation of ‘The porngate of Vidhan Soudha’. Social evils are meant to be sought out and defeated by those governing our country. The situation is definitely one of irony when institutions of law and politics welcome with open arms the root causes of social evils within their own gates.

Facts concerning the ‘porngate of Vidhan Soudha’ seem distorted. However, one must admit that there is never an appearance of smoke without the flames of fire. At such a situation, we ask ourselves…what should be our response as citizens of a nation enriched with deep culture and heritage? Scorn and mockery seem to be logical responses for many. But, would such a response bring about the revolution that we desire or would it only serve to widen the gap between authority and subordinate members of the society?

Democracy speaks of people’s right to elect a member in the Parliament. It signals power in the hands of the so called ‘meager’ citizens of our country. Democracy also permits ‘freedom of speech and expression’ as stated in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Does the responsibility of a citizen towards his country end with the casting of a single vote? Or does it continue further? If so, what and where is the limit to that responsibility?

If we say that democratic citizens have the right to elect leaders of their choice should not the very same citizens help in rooting out the evils of our leading Foras.

Some are born with the ability to lead but most are born with the yearning to follow. However, these are the same people who do not hesitate to render harsh judgments on leaders when they fall. Should it be that only a leader can influence his followers? It must be believed that the opposite of it is also possible. Instead of eternally looking for a change from the top members of the hierarchy, we as citizens can strive to make a change from below.

The machinery of a democratic country runs well when each element of it complements the other. The problem of immorality in our leading institutions is not a matter of scorn and judgment. Instead it is a matter of concern. Concern about our past as citizens. Concern that should drive us to set a better example for our leaders. After all, no man is greater than the other. All are prone to fall. And most importantly, all are capable of learning.

-Joanne Esther

 Kristu Jayanti College