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
