We and our unruly netas.....

India is the unarguably the largest democracy in the world. With the largest
number of voters and contestants we have the largest democracy in numbers.
But with the large population and the vastness of India this is bound. If china
were to switch to democracy from communism it could well become the largest
democracy in the world. Our leaders all around the world talk of India as the
largest democracy. At the same time the quality of our democracy is debatable.
It is well known that in a democracy of this size there are some difficulties. But
sometimes the attitude of our MPs and MLASs seems very non committal.
Consider the monsoon session of our temple of democracy that began on 26 July.
No business has taken place in a week and nothing is known about the future
behaviour of the MPs. The opposition is adamant on its discussion of the price
rise and the government says it is ready for discussion. But it never takes place.
And the house moves in a series of adjournments. The citizens only read in the
newspapers about the MPs behaving in an uncivilised way. The business of the
house is at a standstill. But we all move on saying politics is dirty. Similar is the
case in state assemblies where also there are innumerable adjournments. Take
the case of bihar where a woman MLA was shown rampaging the garden outside
the assembly. The fact that she was protesting against alleged corruption is a
different thing. First concern is the behaviour and the wastage of the taxpayers
money. Why destroy public property? There are other ways of protest.
The privilages given to the MPs adds to the problem. As an example consider
that the parliament canteen serves meals at rates between Re. 1 to Rs. 5.at the
same time common man has to pay more than Rs. 100 per kg for dal. Yet our
MPs behave in an unruly way.
This is not only in the parliament but in all walks of life. The first and foremost
thing for any protester is to destroy public property. This is true for all kinds of
protests be it the students, opposition etc. In a smaller domain we often see
children say to their parents I wont eat food if I dont get the toy. This is very
prevalent in Indian homes. And this is where the crux of the problem lies. From
very early age children are lured into doing things. Parents give children
unnecessary gifts doing things, scoring marks. According to scientists this is a
wrong thing. Giving gifts and giving gifts in lieu of something is entirely different.
These gifts amount to bribing. This attitude continues to come with us. And as
we grow this grows into corruption and other things. The same attitude is seen
when the opposition says, we will not allow the house the function if our
demands are not met.
The solution of the problem includes very difficult but not impossible. Surely it
will take time and it involves the combined efforts the combined efforts of the
youth and the older generation alike. Todays youth is the nations future and we
need the older generation to impart the correct ethical values in the youth and
children. The education system should give emphasis on the ethical behaviour.
Right from school children should be imparted ethical education. Even today this

is being taught but mostly it is neglected as a school evaluation subject. More

importance is given to maths and others. However along with these ethical
education must be given the same importance. Last but not the least is the
responsible upbringing of future generations. And believe me it is in our hands,
the YOUTH. The youth should also keep in mind that this is only one of the many
problems that face us in the future. So let us be ready for the challenge.