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.
Prayer means you are trying to tell God what to do. Meditation means you understand what a ridiculous idea it is to tell the basis of creation what to do. So you simply become silent. If you become silent on all levels, everything that needs to happen to you will happen. -Sg
A welcome change. Should lead to better understanding and wider acceptance of tree-based farming. For every acre of agricultural land, there must be at least two bovine animals. When soil is enriched with tree litter and animal waste, it will decrease dependence on chemical-based fertilizers, reduce input cost and enhance crop health & farmer income. -Sg
@ChouhanShivraj
A temple is not just a structure of stone and mortar but an outpouring of devotion. A paid government official cannot run it - it takes the heart of a devotee. Encouraging to see the Government’s statement. Must translate into action. -Sg
I must confess that until recently I had never heard of Phool Dei, a spring festival that was celebrated yesterday in the villages of Uttarakhand.
Children gather fresh flowers from the hills and go from house to house placing them on doorsteps, offering a blessing for the household:
“Phool Dei, Chhamma Dei,
Deni Dwar, Bhar Bhakar…” roughly wishing the home prosperity.
In return they receive sweets.
It reminded me a little of Halloween in the U.S., where children go door to door saying “trick or treat.” But what a lovely contrast. Here the children arrive not threatening a prank, or asking first, but giving first. Flowers.
In an age when we speak so much about environmental consciousness, this graceful celebration of spring and nature deserves to be far more widely known.
Just as Holi travelled across India and the world, perhaps Phool Dei should too.
For me, the children of Uttarakhand are my #MondayMotivation
Deeply disturbing loss that we must address with urgency. Education is about making lives, not taking them. Most important to cultivate a culture of mental wellbeing in homes & educational institutions. Everyone deserves to experience the Miracle that the mind is. -Sg #MiracleofMind @miraclemindapp
How to Be
This me is You
But You, what are You…
A Bundle of bits and pieces
of knowledge, experiences and very
firm Conclusions and Prejudice – is it…
That is not my Conclusion, just an exploration
Is there no other way to explore other than
demerit all and admonish everyone.
If you allow time I can make the
Admonishments Amorous but you have
a date with your beautician or your psychiatrist
or maybe just a dentist or a gynaec.
of course your banker and maybe a
baker for the birthday cake you
need. With all this seemingly busy
life, I am here to teach you
How to Be…
Sadhguru
Tried Sadhguru's Miracle of Mind app today and I think I'm actually going to stick with it. Just 7 minutes daily seems realistic for craziest of schedules.
It's fascinating how something so simple is now reaching millions through technology.
As an entrepreneur, I've learned that my business can only grow as much as my mind allows. I believe the mental clarity from even short meditations makes a surprising difference in how one handle challenges.
Turns out the best investment isn't always in your business— but it's in yourself.
Give it a try: https://t.co/oHD1njhOLN
Our gratitude to all involved in making #Mahashivratri a truly global festival – our media and digital partners, local administration, volunteers and visitors to Isha Yoga Center. Adiyogi’s timeless message is the way forward for Humanity: The source of all human problems and the source of all solutions is within us & every human being is capable of turning inward to access these solutions & take charge of their own wellbeing. –Sg