Who to vote in the next general election?

As election draws closer, you get to hear a lot that if Congress wins it will make Maoists and terrorists happy and if BJP wins India will become a Hindu Rashtra. Both are very dangerous arguments. India will remain India and it will remain a democracy irrespective who forms the next government. Many thinkers and politicians said the same after we got our independence that India will be fragmented into pieces, but we have come this far despite all our problems and issues, and we are doing good if not the best.

Your job as an electorate is and should be to vote and vote for the right candidate. Candidate who can take care of the people in her or his constituency. There are many local issues like water, electricity, need of schools, hospitals, roads, sanitation, agriculture. Someone who can provide a better life to her or his people and not someone who will just make empty promises. Someone who will not divide based on religion, caste but will try to unite people.

Election should not be one-man vs the other or one-party vs the other. Our political system is different and there are many choices. As a voter you cannot be and should not be devoted to one party if there are better alternatives. As Dr Ambedkar said “in politics, Bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road to degradation and to eventual dictatorship.” One should always be mindful of that otherwise you forget what is right and what is wrong.

What we want is a nation where everyone is free to wear, eat, speak whatever they want within the freedom provided by the constitution. There is misuse of this power at times but then law should take care of that.

Many a times we happily share negative or damaging videos of someone you don’t like. We are served what sells the most. We should try to refrain from that as denigrating someone is not going to make your case stronger. Nobody is going to be helped by pointing fingers at each other. It will only generate hatred towards each other.

At the end you should do your bit to help in nation building. Do not drive on red signal, do not throw garbage on the door, switch off the electricity when you leave home, help someone who is in need, smile often, and more importantly ask questions when you feel something is not right.   

Whoever wins or loses, India will win!

Recognize good people

We got up early morning to watch 26^th January republic day parade at India gate after securing our passes.  We drove till Lodhi Garden and parked our car there and then walked down till India gate. There was huge rush to get inside as lakhs of people came to celebrate the festival of democracy. Parade starts at 10 AM but people started queueing up from 7 in the morning in Delhi’s winter to get front row seats. Generally, security is beefed up ahead of republic day and it was no different this time too. As we were getting inside from our respective gate for which we had passes, we were checked thoroughly if we have any prohibited items except mobile phones. My two friends got in and I was just behind them. As my turn came I was asked to empty the pockets and keep everything in hand. As soon as they saw car key in my hand and asked if it is a remote enabled one and they got affirmative answer from me, I was told in stern voice that I cannot be allowed to get in and alerted all the official around not to allow this person. I didn’t know that remote enabled items are not allowed otherwise we would have taken cab to reach at the venue. I was dejected that I can not see my first parade at the grandest stage. I tried to persuade the security official, but they didn’t budge, and their concern was quite legitimate.

I came out but did not want to miss the parade. My friend who was inside called me to pass the key inside, but I did not want to breach the security. I thought to hide the key somewhere or dig it but there were so many people and it could have been lost.

I asked police personal cordoning outside the gate if he can keep the key. He told that we keep moving around and I may not be here after the parade is over and, they put on the jammer once prime minister arrives, so phone network will not be there. I told him you please take it now and I will get it from you wherever you are and if not today may be tomorrow because I just wanted to get in. He finally agreed and that allowed me to get inside but by the time I reached, we lost the front row seats. He could have simply refused but he understood and helped me witness one of the greatest events of the largest democracy.

I watched full parade with lot of pride and took so many photos and videos. It indeed is a different experience all together. Watching women march in unison, seeing jhakis of some of the states beautifully embellished by live act and music, catching firefighter jets high in the sky.

Once the parade got over, I was thinking about my key. I tried to call him as I had got his number, but his phone was unreachable as jammer was still on. As soon as I came out I saw the gentleman standing exactly at the same place where I handed him the key. I was delighted not just to get my keys back but by the thought of it that he took it upon himself not to bother me. It was a true class act.

His name is Mohit and he works for Delhi Police. I have his picture as well but not posting as I do not know whether I am allowed or not. Give him a big shout out if you happen to meet him.