In defense of Indian 🇮🇳 democracy!
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi most successful visit to Norway a minor incident happened. A Norwegian journalist demanded that the prime minister starts holding press conferences. She claimed that Indian democracy is in bad shape.
May be its time to pause? May be its time to be a bit curious to the world’s largest democracy?
Two weeks ago five Indian states and territories held elections. The turn out in the battlefield state of West Bengal was 94%. In the last local election in Norway it was 62%, in many European local elections turn out is below 50%. Can voting in massive numbers be a signal Indians trust their democratic process?
In the same election BJP won big in Assam and West Bengal. It lost even bigger in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Can this diversity be a signal that Indian democracy is reflecting the will of the people?
The journalist referred to a democracy ranking putting India at 157 in the world, behind many dictatorships and deeply troubled states. When a ranking is so obviously contrary to common sense, why not ask critical questions to those making the ranking rather than demand that leaders shall comment on nonsense? I recommend Salvatore Babones book “Dharma democracy”. The book debunks convincingly the flawed methodology of these rankings.
It was referred to a ranking claiming it’s very dangerous to be a journalist in India. Reality is that it is more dangerous to be journalist in the US and far more dangerous in the vast majority of other nations in the world.
Let’s be real. India is not perfect. Of course there are incidents. India has a population the size of North America, South America and Europe combined. But India is much more peaceful than Europe or the Americas. That’s remarkable - given the ethnic, language and religious diversity of India and the many development challenges.
Unless we consider democracy a form of government only suited for some very small, peaceful and homogeneous Western European nations, may be we should commend Indian democracy?
India is the only major former UK colony which became and has remained a democracy. Its sometimes claimed that the Brits taught India democracy. If that was the case why isn’t Myanmar or Pakistan or the Gulf kingdoms democracies??? Reality is that Indian democracy is both homegrown and extraordinary successful.
🚨 Medical experts confirm that breathing Delhi's air is now equivalent to smoking 25-30 cigarettes daily, reducing life expectancy by approximately 8 years and causing lung ailments in approximately 40% of the city's population.
To those who feel slightly dejected at their scores, I want to tell them: one exam can never define you. Your journey is much bigger and your strengths go far beyond the mark sheet. Stay confident, stay curious because great things await. #ExamWarriors
India sent #IndianArmy doctors, nurses and relief material to Turkey when it was hit by an earthquake.
Turkey returned the favour by backstabbing India, issuing statements in support of Pak & helping it in the
#IndiaPakistanWar
Once this situation is over and we are done with Pakistan, we should isolate, boycott and expose Turkey.
Drones have been sighted at 26 locations along the International Border and LoC with Pakistan. These include suspected armed drones. The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala.
Regrettably, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in injuries to members of a local family. The injured have been provided medical assistance and the area has been sanitised by security forces.
The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch & prompt action is being taken wherever necessary.
Citizens, especially in border areas, are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential. 🇮🇳
@rajnathsingh@DefenceMinIndia@SethSanjayMP@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi@indiannavy@IAF_MCC@PIB_India@PIBFactCheck
India has launched #OperationSindoor, a precise and restrained response to the barbaric #PahalgamTerrorAttack that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali citizen. Focused strikes were carried out on nine #terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, targeting the roots of cross-border terror planning. Importantly, no Pakistani military facilities were hit, reflecting India’s calibrated and non-escalatory approach. This operation underscores India’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable while avoiding unnecessary provocation. A detailed briefing on the operation will follow later today.
Read more: https://t.co/GYMCS01A46
@rajnathsingh@DefenceMinIndia@SethSanjayMP@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi@indiannavy@IAF_MCC@PIB_India
#BENGALHORROR
This is Highly Serious Matter !!
Initially Everyone was trying hard to suppress it by diverting Matter !!
They may divert again by fake allegations!!
If a GIRL cannot roam freely on the road /Work at night without fear then it is not Freedom!!
#RGKAR#medtwitter
Sir @DrSJaishankar. I really need your urgent intervention. My cousin had met with an industrial accident on foreign waters. And right now at RSUD Natuna
Hospital (Indonesia). We are trying to get clearance for airlifting since last couple of days. And finally sent an email to [email protected] yesterday. Please help Sir.
Sustainability and Kalpavruksha!
We are blessed to have a sylvan campus where children find a variety of seeds, pods, flowers, twigs etc. Hence our little ones decided to make a Photo frame on painted sheets using the seeds of the Ashoka tree.
1st day of March and Mumbaikars woke up to unseasonal rains especially Thane Interiors ☁️. Lots of fluctuation in temperature last few days. Take care of health as this is not an ideal weather. Visuals from Kalyan- Cloudy skies #MumbaiRains