DEMOCRACY CONTINUES WITH OR WITHOUT YOU

 



“Here is the problem: while some folks are frustrated and tuned out 

and stay home on election day, other folks are showing up... 

Democracy continues with or without you.”

Michelle Obama

                   

This is Maharashtra… Yes, my wife and I showed up, yesterday, and voted. Were we not among the ‘frustrated’ folks?

Considering the way these elected representatives crossover, we, certainly, had frustration in our hearts… The one we are voting for – his/her party, which we thought was a better one compared to others – well, we have no guarantee that this representative, who we had voted for yesterday, will stay faithful to us – his voters – or not.

Still, Democracy thrives on hope – often, a naive hope. Voters’ skin is very thin… we bleed and get hurt fast. But, sad to see the reality, that the skin of the politicians is very, very thick… They possess unusual immunity and short memory… Raat gayi, baat gayi!

So, we have voted yesterday, knowing very well, that anything can happen to our vote. Dozens of people kept reminding, on social media in particular, urging citizens to step out and vote… “Bad leaders are elected by good people who don’t vote” – Yes, we, too, did not want our absence to bring in bad leaders. But, then, looking at the events that pan out even after casting our precious votes, we simply conclude – “It’s our bad luck.”

 Michelle Obama’s words make sense: “Democracy continues with or without you.”

As my wife and I came out after casting our vote, the booth in-charge so respectfully said this to us: “We are honouring the enthusiastic, responsible citizens, particularly senior citizens, with this certificate”…

 



After a beautiful picture holding this certificate, and a send-off with a sapling, the young official said shaking our hands, “Thank you… Highly appreciated.”

“Thank you, appreciate, too,” I reciprocated.

But, on my way back, the deep angst was not letting me fully appreciate the quite glory of exercising the right and duty of a responsible citizen in a Democracy… The question was haunting me:

“Will the vote we have casted be equally valued and respected by the one we have voted for? Or, will it be the same old, sad story of crossover?”




Long live Democracy… Our hearts  still harbour hope!

 

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

 

Pic’s: 1. www.businesstoday.in  

Video: Mirchi Murga

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