The 2020 edition of the National Voters’ Day which is an annual observation to mark the Foundation day of Election Commission of India (ECI) commemorated on January 25 last was an extra-special occasion for the nation since it also marked the completion of 70 years of the ECI. And as if to keep tune with the current state of quality of democracy in the country, this year’s theme had been ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy’. Delving deeper into the inner details the tag line carries, it can be said without any hesitancy that it is indeed the need of the hour to walk that extra mile to make the Indian democracy stronger not just to be complacent in remaining as the world’s largest but also by adding more in terms of quality.
There is a growing perception that certain  recent developments that the country have witnessed have impacted a large segment of the society  in a manner that cannot be called conducive  and are collectively showing signs that having  the potential to weaken the foundations of the much admired Indian democracy. It is not without reasons that the nation has slipped 10 places in the Democracy Index released a few days ago. Seems boring, but it is each time CAA-NRC-NPR keep repeating and it is most unfortunate for the nation to witness how fast the world opinion is being built and comparisons are also flowing, likening the scenario with that of the onset of the Nazi regime in pre-World War II Germany. If pluralism and liberty to express opinions are the intrinsic aspects of a democratic existence, there are expressions of helplessness that all these virtues are fast depleting. And these expressions are coming out ceaselessly through mass protests all over the nation with the youth leading the way. Expectedly, this Republic Day itself, taking oaths by reading the sacred-most portions  of the Constitution by the common people assembled in mass gatherings have once again showed the undying faith in democracy. This is perhaps also a  practical exhibition of the faith that is being tried through this year’s  National Voters’ Day theme.There might not be any major election right at the moment, except for Delhi, but, had it been there, it is no doubt that people’s feelings might have amply been reflected through the EVMs. Meanwhile, the youths are showing that they will be the real drivers of the Indian democracy by showing their deep reservations for all the unacceptable and forced propositions currently under play.
That they have kept faith in democracy, with democratic form of protests is itself a testimony that the world’s largest democracy will not only survive but also thrive.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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