DEMOCRACYSaramma Mathew

DEMOCRACY

Democracy is considered as the government of the

people by the people and for the people.

-Abraham Lincoln

Democracy is a way of life, a determining influence in

every major area of life.

-Boyd and Bode

Implies freedom given to the individual to

develop his own abilities as he thinks best,

without being restricted by eternal factors.

This is possible only when no single

individual has unlimited power and no

individual misuses the rights given to him

liberty

If Democracy is to be successful it is

necessary for every individual to be socially,

politically and economically equal.

Equality does not imply neglect of individual

differences but it means equality of purpose

or equal opportunities.

Equality

The ideal of brotherhood is necessary for the

psychological feeling of unity the real difficulty of lies not

in establishing a democratic government but in

establishing a democratic society to which democratic

government is but an agency.

Fraternity implies co-operation the basis on which

society can work to gather and live in peace together.

 

Fraternity

Moral rightness based on ethics,

rationality

and law

Social, economic and political justice

Eradication of inequality and injustice

Justice

Political democracy A form of government in which the ruling power of the state

is listed with few member of the community

In a democracy it is not the individuals who rule the country

rather it is governed by the rules and regulations

Although a democratic government is a representative of

the majority it takes care to protect the rights of minorities

Political democracy emphasis that no citizen is

discriminated on the basis of sex, race, religion or any other

ground that distinguishes them from others.

Social democracy It emphasis on equality and brotherhood between all

individuals.

It also implies that one must treat one self and other as

having inherit value and the good of another is not less

valuable than ones own good.

In such a state everyone would behave in such a way that

it would promote the good of another while trying to

achieve self goals.

Economic Democracy recognises, the right of individuals to earn their

livelihood without interference or obstruction.

right to earn wealth does not become a means to

control means of production and create economic

disparities

To maintain equality democratic institutions enact

legislations to protect the rights of working class and

the backward class.

Democracy believes in economic welfare of

individuals without exploitation.

 

Educational Democracy This envisages equal opportunities for education.

It also works at eliminating disparities due to lack of resources.

Admissions based on social justice.

It gives provision to include socially and economically backward individual in mainstream education.

Educational democracy also presuppose academic freedom

SECULARISM “Morality should be based solely in regard to the well being of mankind in the present life to the exclusion of all consideration drawn from belief in God”

-Oxford Dictionary

The word Secularism was derived from the Latin word secular meaning present age.

Principle of secularism according to Holydake

•Principle of primary emphasis on the material and cultural improvement of human beings.

•Principle of respect for and search for all truth. Whatever be its source, which can be tested in experience leading to human betterment.

•Principle of concern for this world or age and its improvement.

•Principle of independent rational morality which does not base itself in faith or divine commandment .

Indian Concept of Secularism

There will be no state religion.

The Indian understanding of secularism can be summed in the word of mahatma Gandhi as follows

“My veneration for other faith is the same as for my own faith we believe in sarva-dharma-samabhavana. Having equal regard for all faiths and creeds.

Characteristics of a secular state “ Prof. Donald. E Smith.• A Secular state functions in a way independent of religion•A Secular state treats all religions on equal •A secular state permits individual and collective freedom of religions •A secular state views all individuals as citizens with equal •A secular state is not against religious but may restrict religious freedom or religious practices in public interest of harmony