Democracy or लोकतंत्र is the rule of the people. The term is used to describe a type of an administration in which citizens have a voice in the choices that shape their region. A system that is popularly known as “for the people, of the people & by the people”. A system of government in which every adult citizen (those who are over 18 years old) has a voice in the election process. The goal of the elected government is to safeguard the populace's rights, interests, and welfare.
Today's democracy is a form of free government in which the people directly exercise their power or choose their own representatives. The term democracy originally emerged in the political and philosophical writings of the ancient Greeks in the city-state of Athens during the classical era. The word democracy itself derives from the ancient Greek words demos, which means people, and kratos, which means power. Athenians formed what is usually considered to be the first democracy between 580 and 507 BC. The assembly, which was made up of male citizens, the boul, which was made up of 500 citizens, and the courts, which were made up of a sizable number of jurors chosen at random and without judges, were the key institutions within Athenian democracy. The democracy in Athens was direct not only in the sense that the assembled people made decisions, but also in the sense that the people - through the assembly, boul, and law courts - controlled the entire political process and a disproportionate number of citizens were actively involved in politics at all times. Since most modern democracies are representative rather than direct, they differ from the Athenian form.
Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary were the initial three foundations upon which Indian democracy was being built. The creators of our Indian Constitution intended for the three distinct wings to keep one another in check through a system of checks and balances . The media is yet another crucial component of democracy; in fact, it is regarded as the fourth pillar. There is a widespread belief that the media lacks credibility and transmits news based on their economic commitments, political ties, and what the editor wants to showcase instead of actual news. The media must have editorial freedom and clear ownership if they are to succeed in influencing the public's perception. It is time for the media to acknowledge and respect the crucial function that it serves as the fourth pillar in the operation of democracy. Montesquieu's original doctrine of separation of powers can be clearly seen as compromised in modern democracies.
The basic precursors to democratic backsliding are the three strains of inequality, insecurity, and incapacity. Each of them can be used and abused by power-hungry and corrupt executives seeking to undermine institutional safeguards. They support anti-systemic political movements and figures that use the traditional binary populist rhetoric—we are here to defend the "people" against the "enemy of the people"—as their basis. In addition to encouraging the entry of fresh faces with innovative ideas, its election programme encourages the ouster of established institutions and politicians. The political structure is completely redesigned as a result of these movements.
We are aware of the significance of hearing from the people in a democracy. Due to the current war crises, the failure of governments and democracies has grown to be a major issue. In the middle of this protracted catastrophe, protecting oneself and one's loved ones has taken precedence over expressing your unhappiness. The power of people to speak up, both directly and through their elected representatives, and decide how they are governed is at the very core of democracy. Thus, I believe people’s voice for a successful democracy holds foremost importance.
Public opinion or people’s voice is a vital component of a running, successful democracy and therefore, one thing that can take us into the future, a more open and comprehensive future is a confident Voice. Distinct voices all have different things to say, thus no two voices are the same. Speaking up for what is right instead of what is convenient is of utmost importance and it can only be done with a clear and concise voice. With a boisterous voice, you may express your ideas and gain insight into important issues. Furthermore, one’s voice serves as a potent symbol of freedom and democracy in a society. To make the world a better place, it's crucial to speak out for the truth and therefore, each individual's voice counts. Voices can communicate any emotion or idea, including passion and excitement. Change can be brought about through voices. Your voice is one of the few things that cannot be taken away, even though other people may be able to take anything tangible from you. Voices are supposed to urge other voices to unify and support one another.
“Only people who claim their own voice can hear the true song of another”. — Elizabeth Lesser
This International Democracy Day, let us become the voice of the unheard by providing them with one. JOI in an effort to contribute to the cause of boosting one's confidence to deliver their message in this special upcoming seminar, Maximise your Message. Join us in our quest to become a person of influence because your voice matters. Stay connected at www.johnsonodakkal.com for a soon to be scheduled event : “Maximise your Message”.
References:
Laws and courts in ancient Athens: A brief overview. (n.d.). Kosmos Society. https://kosmossociety.chs.harvard.edu/law-and-courts-in-ancient-athens-a-brief-overview/
Ancient Athinean Democracy. (n.d.). Ancient Greece. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://ssancientgreece.weebly.com/ancient-athinean-democracy.html
Mondal, A. (2022, February). Four Pillars Of Democracy. The Creative Post. https://thecreativepost.co.in/four-pillars-of-democracy/
Corrales, J. (2022, January 28). Telltale Signs of Democratic Backsliding. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.persuasion.community/p/telltale-signs-of-democratic-backsliding
The Power of Using your voice. (2021, February 17). Voices of Youth. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.voicesofyouth.org/blog/power-using-your-voice
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