HILAL BHAT
Atishi Marlena Sing took over as the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi being in her 44.As of now she is perhaps the most educationally qualified CM in India.A topper at St Stephen’s College of Delhi University , a two time Masters from Oxford University where she had been specially on a Chevening Scholarship , and then as a Rhodes Scholar , which is the top most and prestigious scholarship in the world.Out of her vision and expertise both as an advisor and as an education minister she was very instrumental in crafting innovative educational policies that elevated the standards of public education and transformed government schools in Delhi gaining national and international recognition.In a way she played a pivotal role in revolutionizing Delhi’s education system.Her hands-on approach of working neck to neck with academicians , school administrators , teachers and students demonstrated her passion and commitment for creating an inclusive and equitable education system.She offered the concept of Mohallah clinics which brought laurels by taking health facilities at the doorsteps and catched international attention.Now she is playing an influential role not only in political landscape of Delhi but at national arena.Infact she is an emerging politician of India who could have a crucial role in deciding future politics of India.Dozens of other emerging young politicians and parlimentarians of India who were passionate for public service and public delivery and most of whom came from non political backgrounds from across the party lines , have pushed their space in a first in Indian polity to uphold democratic values and principles and are taking the democracy further to the gross root level by reaching out to the common man.These young parlimentarians are menifestating their political vision and skills , giving a positively tough competition to their opponents , delivering energetically iconic speeches in parliament and are becoming a voice for the voiceless , thus contributing in strengthening the democracy , culture , ethos , social fabric and democratic institutions.Notably we can see Mahua Moitra as such a roaring parliamentarian from Trinamul congress , Shashi Tharoor ( the English Guru ) from INC , Supreya Sule the iconic parliamentarian from NCP , Raghaw Chadda again a limelight parliamentarian from AAP , Sri Nitin Gadkari ( the humanitarian minister ) from BJP , lately Aaga Syed Ruhulla ( a symbol of honesty ) from J&K National Conference or for that matter Engineer Rashid ( the stout parliamentarian ) from AIP .There are many others who are dynamic in their approach and are people friendly.This democratic inclusiveness and expansion generates a healthy competition and makes the democracy vibrant , increasingly inclusive and accomodative by the day , and that is the essence of democratic republic of India.Moreover , this is a healthy sign for democracy and democratic governance especially for a country like India which enjoys the distinction of being the largest democracy in the world and a symbol of “ Unity in diversity.”Infact India is referred to as a democratic republic where all positions in the government are available to all people regardless of cast , colour , creed , gender or religion.
Back home we saw a democratic reveal which have put an end to the political imbroglio , the democratic deficit that had piled up post 5 August abrogation in 2019.We witnessed assembly elections in J&K after a gap of more than a decade.It was a watershed moment for the entire people of J&K when they finally got a chance to participate in electoral politics and exercise their democratic right of voting for an elected assembly.The prolonged governer ‘s rule was almost reaching the saturation point.Credit must go to Chief Election Commissioner of India Sri Rajiv Kumar for conducting free , fair , and transparent elections with precision and accuracy and in a disciplined and peaceful manner.The hallmark of these elections was installation of webcasting through and through and all along the polling foot print which ensured transparency of its highest level.These elections were unique in the sence that first time people from all walks of life participated out of their choice without any kind of fear either as voters or as candidates.Jamaati-e-islami , a politico-religious organization which hitherto was resistant to participate in electoral democracy in India finally cracked the whip out of nowhere and participated in electoral politics by fielding it’s candidates first time after 1987.They also had a power show in the form of a mega election rally in their hot bed kulgam since 1987.We also saw many maiden candidates fighting their elections either as independents or by way of introducing a new political party of India.Not only so , this election also witnessed an open and free compaigning since ages which was felt entertaining by many in the public circles.This should be a win win situation for democracy.This inclusiveness and expansion of democracy will definitely reach out to a common man in its best form and will further strengthen the roots of democracy in India.It will go a long way in contributing in strengthening all pillars of democracy viz the legeslature , judiciary , executive and Media.It will flourish democratic values like freedom , equality , acceptability , dignity and inclusivity .Thick participation in representative democracy ensures social justice , social inclusion , economic development and rule of law.I am sure government of India will make most of it and reciprocate to people of J&K for showing their faith in democracy.Let’s hope GOI will keep its promise of restoring statehood to J&K sooner than latter as a token of love and as a good gesture to the people of J&K.Let us all contribute in letting the democracy to reveal itself.Let democracy take off from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.That will be the biggest tribute to father of Constitutional Democracy in India , Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.Long live democracy ; Long live India.
Bhat Hilal Ahmad ( Biotech ) is a writer and an Independent columnist.He can be reached out at fb. @ Bhat Biotech Hilal.