The war for freedom

This year clearly stands out as the year of modern freedom struggles. It all started with the Tunisian revolution in December last year, which provided the spark to Egyptian protests. The success was an inspiration to other countries denied of democracy, even as we witness the uprising in Libya as I write this. One can imagine the extreme hunger for power of the dictators when they don’t budge to international political pressure, even knowing the outcome.

We have the privilege of being born in a “free” country. On paper, India is free and the largest democracy. But how much of that is true in reality? The recent Wiki-leaks article gave one more reason for Indians to be ashamed of their “leaders”. It’s an established empirical fact that an average Indian takes freedom for granted, but it’s an even greater truth that Indians are showed the rosy picture of democracy when the reality is harsh. When votes themselves go for sale, the entire system of democracy is a big failure. How many of us really think that they have a say in the government? And that their views and opinions are well “represented” in the parliament by some minister?

We say “there is no other country which allows you greater freedom than India. You can do anything you want”. Is that really what freedom is? As far as free will is concerned, it might be true. It’s not clear though if it’s really “freedom” or just lack of imposing laws which gives us the freedom of doing “ANYTHING”. Will you call carelessly throwing garbage on roads as freedom or as lack of imposing rules? Will you call driving by wrong side of road as freedom? Even worse, what about being politically free? We are heavily influenced by government policies at each and every stage of life, and most of this goes in background without making any noise or concern. Even after knowing the evil plans of politicians, we continue to largely ignore the issue saying “we cannot do anything about it”. And the reason is valid, because most of the people who are in Indian politics at present don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Obviously India is hugely capable of producing gems of politicians and it is well known that they refrain from joining politics because they do not want to get involved in the "dirty business". Is this freedom? When you live in awe of joining politics, the very basis of a country, how can one claim to be in a free country? When we allow a bunch of dictators to "govern" in the political system, how can we call ourselves democratic?

The true freedom movement is hugely due in India. And with time the revolution will well explode, all it needs is a little spark.