In one of my earlier posts, I explored the metaphors of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, specifically focusing on ‘ignorance’ represented as a ‘demon’ under the feet of Nataraja. Recently, Her Holiness Anandmurti Gurumaa discussed the sublimation of Mahishasura, the demon of darkness within, with the help of Goddess Durga in the ‘Speaking Tree’ of Times of India. Coupling this with insights from Her Holiness Ma Anandamayi’s blog, it is evident that leaders must use their Kriya Shakti (the power of action), Gyan Shakti (the power of knowledge), Chitti Shakti (the power of the subconscious mind), and Ichha Shakti (the power of will) to dispel ignorance and idleness. However, what about those astute leaders who wield their Gyan Shakti (the power of knowledge) and Kriya Shakti (the power of action) to perpetuate ignorance and idleness merely to garner votes? Are they not the demons of democracy?
The Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture, provides guidance on righteous conduct and leadership. Here’s what it tells about the conduct of leaders, including rulers who mislead their subjects into ignorance.
Dharma (Righteous Duty) Verse 3.21:
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते।।
Translation: “Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.”
Interpretation: Leaders have a significant influence on their subjects. If a ruler engages in righteous and truthful actions, the subjects are likely to follow suit. Conversely, if the ruler misleads and perpetuates ignorance, it can lead the entire society astray.
For example, the proliferation of liquor shops in Delhi to generate revenue for funding free water, power, and free travel for women in buses can be seen as a government-sponsored policy promoting the consumption of liquor. This is hardly a model for emulation!
Knowledge vs. Ignorance Verse 4.38:
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते।
तत्त्वययोगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति।।
Translation: “In this world, there is nothing as purifying as divine knowledge. One who has attained purity of mind through prolonged practice of yoga receives such knowledge within the heart in due course of time.”
Interpretation: Knowledge is seen as the highest form of purity and virtue. A ruler who misleads subjects into ignorance is acting against this principle of promoting knowledge and wisdom.
For example, students in India have the right to know accurate history. Previous governments have suppressed facts and moulded the narrative to promote an ideology of socialism. Now, the current government is reversing these changes with vengeance by revising textbooks. However, children deserve to learn accurate history without ideological biases. This task should be entrusted to a panel of academicians representing diverse perspectives. Only through such a balanced approach can we stop the spread of ignorance. After all, a well-informed understanding of history is crucial for developing future strategists who can learn from past mistakes and successes.
Consequences of Misleading Verse 3.16:
एवं प्रवर्तितं चक्रं नानुवर्तयतीह यः।
अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति।।
Translation: “My dear Arjuna, one who does not follow in human life the cycle of sacrifice established by the Vedas certainly leads a life full of sin, living only for the satisfaction of the senses; such a person lives in vain.”
Interpretation: Leaders who fail to follow righteous duties and mislead others are living in vain and accumulating negative karma. Their actions disrupt the moral and ethical cycle necessary for a balanced society.
The number of scams, corrupt practices, blatant nepotism, lack of remorse, and the misleading of the public based on caste and creed to divert attention from key issues have been rampant in Indian politics since independence. If anything, the accused are becoming increasingly shameless. This has severely disrupted the moral and ethical fabric of society.
Role of a Wise Leader Verse 3.25:
सक्ताः कर्मण्यविद्वांसो यथा कुर्वन्ति भारत।
कुर्याद्विद्वांस्तथासक्तश्चिकीर्षुर्लोकसंग्रहम्।।
Translation: “As the ignorant perform their duties with attachment to results, O Bharata, so the wise should act without attachment, desiring to maintain the proper social order.”
Interpretation: A wise leader should act selflessly and with the intent of maintaining societal harmony and order. Misleading subjects into ignorance goes against this principle and disrupts social harmony.
For example, the dissemination of false information and manipulation of facts during election campaigns have often been used to sway voters based on communal and caste lines. A notable instance was during the 2019 and 2024 Indian general elections, where several political parties were accused of spreading misinformation through social media to exploit religious and caste-based sentiments. This tactic not only misled the electorate but also fuelled social divisions, undermining the harmony and unity essential for a stable society. Such actions starkly contrast with the principle of selfless leadership and highlight the detrimental impact of perpetuating ignorance for political gain.
The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of righteous leadership and the dissemination of knowledge. A ruler who misleads subjects into ignorance is acting against the principles of Dharma (righteous duty) and is failing in their duty to set a virtuous example. Such actions can lead to societal harm and accumulate negative karma for the ruler. The Gita advocates for wisdom, selfless action, and the promotion of knowledge as essential qualities for effective and righteous leadership.
Regardless of who has governed India over the past seventy-five years, irrespective of ideology or party, the performance of Indian polity has often been sub-optimal. The political class frequently attempts to compensate for the lack of effective economic policies to generate employment. Despite good intent, the implementation has been dismal. They exhibit a lax control in promoting well-intended skill development initiatives, leading to the underutilization of resources and the perpetuation of idleness. This is evident in the numerous populist schemes designed to gain electoral favour.
The Illusion of Aid
To address economic shortfalls, leaders often resort to measures like loan waivers, subsidies, and promises of transferring unsustainable amounts of money to bank accounts. Schemes like free water, power, and travel for women misappropriate taxpayer money and exploit the human psyche’s love for ‘freebies.’ While these measures might secure votes and retain power, they detract from the true purpose of nation-building through a genuine partnership between leaders and the public—the essence of democracy. The illusion or deception of aid often emerges with the sole purpose of securing votes and gaining political power. A glaring example of this is evident during election seasons when opposition leaders highlight the staggering statistic of 30 lakh vacancies in government departments. Interestingly, these very leaders often fail to demonstrate a basic level of commitment to their parliamentary duties during their tenure in opposition. One might question why they didn’t exert pressure on the government to fill these vacancies over the span of five years? This lack of proactive action hints at their nonchalant attitude towards governance. Moreover, promising to transfer substantial amounts, like Rs. 8500 per month, to one woman per family without a concrete revenue plan or expectation of work only perpetuates ignorance and idleness. Such hollow promises serve as bait for voters but lack the substance needed for meaningful progress and development. It’s a tactic designed to sway public opinion without addressing the root issues or offering viable solutions.
Diverting the Narrative
The issue of diverting the narrative is indeed critical in contemporary politics. Politicians often resort to exploiting religious, caste, and creed-based sentiments to shift attention away from their performance while in power. This diversionary tactic serves to evade accountability and sidestep the fundamental question: “What is their plan to improve the current situation?”
During the 2024 elections, as well as in previous ones, there has been a noticeable absence of concrete proposals from political parties regarding their plans for national development. Questions about how they intend to enhance the country’s welfare and garner resources for it, or how they plan to reform the administration and judiciary to be more empathetic to ordinary citizens, remain largely unanswered. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the focus often devolves into relentless mudslinging among political rivals. This trend is concerning for democracy as it hampers meaningful discourse and constructive policymaking. Without substantive proposals and a genuine commitment to addressing societal challenges, political discourse becomes shallow and devoid of substance. It is imperative for political parties to prioritize issues of national importance and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to divisive tactics that undermine the democratic process.
The Real Objective of Democracy
The true intent of democracy is nation-building through an active and constructive partnership between leaders and citizens. The political narrative should focus on the development and implementation of sustainable policies that foster economic growth, employment, and the holistic development of society. Instead, many politicians opt for short-term gains through populist measures and divisive politics.
Harnessing the True Shakti
Leaders must channel their Shakti—knowledge, action, subconscious mind, and willpower—towards dispelling ignorance and idleness. This involves: Promoting education and knowledge is crucial for the overall development of a society. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Education System
- Educational Reforms: Implement reforms in educational policies to emphasize critical thinking, innovation, and skill development alongside traditional knowledge. This includes updating curriculum to reflect current industry demands and fostering an environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving.
- Skill Promotion: Establish a strong connection between educational institutions and potential employers to ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed in the workforce. This can involve internships, apprenticeships, and vocational training programs to provide hands-on experience and practical skills.
- Entrepreneurship Training: Introduce entrepreneurship training programs early in the education system to nurture innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among students. This can include courses on business management, financial literacy, and mentorship opportunities to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Values and National Character: Promote values and national character throughout the education system by integrating moral and ethical education into the curriculum. Emphasize the importance of integrity, honesty, and social responsibility through both theoretical teachings and practical demonstrations by teachers and educational leaders.
By implementing these measures, we can create an educational system that not only imparts knowledge but also equips students with the skills, values, and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute positively to society.
Economic Policies for Employment
Formulating and executing economic policies that generate employment and support entrepreneurship. These policies should facilitate the following:
Accountability of the Political Class
For about 60 years out of the total 75 years since independence, India has been adhering to socialistic policies that imposed excessive controls on business and industry. These policies fostered a parallel cash-based black economy, which disproportionately burdened the middle class with taxes, institutionalized corruption, discouraged professionalism and quality assurance, and hindered development. A counter approach could have been to view industry and the private sector as partners in nation-building, employment generation, and foreign exchange generation. This partnership would be underpinned by strict regulations of quality control and safety, implemented impartially and free from corruption. However, the government’s attempt to run businesses directly has often resulted in failure. Air India, HMT and several other PSUs are glaring examples of mismanagement and wastage of taxpayers’ money and the country’s scarce resources. One crucial reform needed is to make the political class accountable for their actions and decisions. Unfortunately, politicians often enjoy immunity, and accountability is only occasionally enforced, typically after years of litigation when charges of corruption can be proved. To address this, mechanisms involving expert panels and citizens should be established to ensure that everyone who holds public office is accountable for their actions. These mechanisms should provide a quick path to redemption by identifying and punishing the guilty. Political leaders must own up to their failures and learn from them to prevent repeated mistakes.
By holding the political class accountable for every penny spent and every policy implemented, we can foster a more transparent, responsible, and effective governance system. This accountability will not only enhance trust in public institutions but also ensure that public resources are utilized efficiently for the benefit of all citizens.
Enabling Environment for Employment and Entrepreneurship
To foster an enabling environment for employment and entrepreneurship, training for entrepreneurship should begin at the school level. This can be achieved by integrating financial literacy, skill development, internships with industry, and awareness about environmental and legal requirements of industries and commercial setups into the curriculum. These elements should be provided alongside the traditional academic curriculum. Every student should be required to develop proficiency in at least one trade skill that could provide them with employment and a dignified life. This requirement would ensure that students are not solely dependent on academic qualifications but also possess practical skills that are in demand in the job market. A perspective employment plan should be developed in collaboration with industry and commercial setups. The number of seats in professional courses should be adjusted based on the demand in various sectors. This alignment will ensure that education and training programs are directly linked to employment opportunities. Furthermore, the industry environment should promote meritocracy and encourage the promotion of national business interests abroad. This can be achieved by institutionalizing professionalism, skill development, quality control, and optimal resource management. By fostering these values, industries can become more competitive on the global stage, harnessing international markets, and contributing to national growth.
This comprehensive approach will not only create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready to enter the workforce but also encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. By equipping students with the necessary skills and providing them with real-world experience, we can ensure that they are well-prepared to contribute to the economy and lead successful, fulfilling careers.
Transparent Governance
Ensuring transparency and accountability in governance is a prerequisite for a healthy democracy. Currently, government revenue collected from taxpayers is often manipulated and wasted by unscrupulous politicians for personal gain or vote-bank politics. This misuse of funds must be stopped through various mechanisms, such as:
- People’s Audit: All projects, except those sensitive from a national security perspective, should be subject to a people’s audit. The performance report card of each politician should be based on these audits, ensuring accountability and transparency.
- Taxpayer’s Body: It should be mandatory for any political party to obtain prior approval from a taxpayer’s body for any freebies they wish to announce, either through their leadership or in their manifesto. This body would ensure that taxpayer money is spent responsibly and with public consent.
- Strengthening the Institution of Lokpal: The institution of Lokpal should be strengthened with more powers and resources to effectively rein in the political class and curb corruption. This independent body should be empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without political interference.
- Speeding Up Corruption Trials: A judicial body, the “National Corruption Prevention Tribunal,” should be established to expedite trials against politicians and public servants accused of corruption. This tribunal’s decisions should be final and binding, with no further appeals, ensuring swift and decisive action against corruption. By implementing these measures, we can create a transparent and accountable governance system that allows citizens to make informed decisions and holds politicians accountable for their actions. This will help restore public trust in the political system and ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively for the nation’s development.
Unity and Inclusivity
Fostering unity and inclusivity requires moving beyond divisive politics and focusing on common goals and shared progress. Political parties have often manipulated constitutional provisions to suit their vote-bank politics. To prevent this, the power to amend the constitution, except for those stated as temporary provisions, should be taken away from the political class. Any such proposals should be decided by a referendum. This approach ensures that constitutional amendments reflect the will of the people and are not influenced by the short-term interests of political parties. By doing so, we can create a more stable and inclusive political environment that promotes the common good and long-term national interests.
Conclusion
The demons of democracy are not just those who remain idle but those who actively perpetuate ignorance and idleness for personal gain. As citizens, it is crucial to recognize these patterns and demand more from our leaders. By holding them accountable and advocating for policies that genuinely benefit the nation, we can ensure that democracy thrives not just in name, but in true spirit.
How I wish the Political Class and Citizens work together to turn our democracy into a beacon of knowledge, action, and progress, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and idleness that threatens to overshadow it.
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