Why Democracy Matters?

KAS PDA: Why do you think democratic values and principles are important for your country?

Mr. Girish Kumar: Democracy in India means that its political institutions and electoral processes have to be democratic. It also means that the Indian society and its citizens should reflect the basic values and principles of equality, liberty, fraternity, secularism, federalism, and justice. Apart from these, for a democracy the right to free expression of opinion, and of opposition, and criticism of government of the day are equally important. So the values of freedom to speak, to discuss, to criticize, and to dissent are important to maintain a balance democracy in India or in any other country.

KAS PDA: In your context, what do you think are the main challenges to democracy?

Mr. Girish Kumar: Traditionally, the main challenges to any democracy have been immense poverty, poor health care facilities, low literacy rate, and unemployment which have been hampering national progress. Other relevant factors challenging in democracy have always been caste and gender discrimination, rampant corruption, delay in public justice system, red-tapism, exploitation of ethnical, religious and other minorities, use of money and muscle power in elections as well as control of government on media.

But recent times have seen new challenges that can be clearly noticed like horse-trading in politics, making anti-defection law not only null and void but a joke as there has been contradictory cases at same time. The Member of the Legislative Assembly defecting and switching sides without losing their seats, making mockery of pre- and post-poll alliances between political parties which is a betrayal to peoples’ verdict. Another is the bias and misuse of discretionary power by governors and other constitutional authorities.

Lastly, I would say that when you see sitting Supreme Court judges doing a press conference against the sitting Chief Justice, junior police officers striking against senior officials, central agencies versus state agencies then these are serious challenges to the democracy.

KAS PDA: As a young leader, what can you do to ensure that you become and remain a democratic leader?

Mr. Girish Kumar: Father of the Nation Shri Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has given a talisman to every citizen especially to leaders and aspiring youth leaders like me.

He says and I quote, “Whenever you are in doubt or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man or woman whom you may have seen and ask yourself if the steps you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will he or she gain anything by it? Will it restore him or her to a control his or her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj i.e. freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and yourself melt away.” Gandhi’s life is a message which a young leader like me should just follow to become and remain a democratic leader. I must be the change I wish to see in the world.

Disclaimer: ​​​​​​​This interview excerpt is taken from the ADLA Video Series 2020 project which aims to seek for answers on the question "Why Democracy Matters?" from the KASYP alumni country representatives. The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed are those of the interviewee do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. Any insights expressed in this content do not intend to hurt any individual, community, or organization.