democracy Archives - Page 2 of 2 - DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

Now that the MBA entrances are over, it’s time for the Group Discussions, Interviews and so the preparations are in full swing. When it comes to mock GDs, there are always those clichéd topics that never seem to get old and make the students feel like they’ve hit the jackpot.

One such evergreen topic relates to the success (or the lack thereof) of democracy in India. This seems to ignite such passion in the contestants that the best you can do is to hide under your chair to prevent being caught in the crossfire as they try to rip each other’s throats out. But the one emotion that seems to stand out in such a heated discussion is the absolutely loathsome outlook that they share for the politicians across the country.

While some argued that the numerous scams that pop up each day spelled the death of democracy, yet others argued that it wasn’t irreparably damaged and that effective policies could go a long way in helping it rise from the ashes. One gentleman vehemently argued that there was no antidote, for the system had completely failed. He went on to add that India should emulate the American bipartisan system of democracy and that he would rather migrate to the USA than live in India. There were a few who tried feebly to counter his arguments but were soon convinced by his arguments and nodded meekly as they were swayed by his ‘eloquence’.

Conclusion: We’re tired of such rampant corruption and lack of even a shred of morality in the political structure of this country. But we’re much too involved with our own lives to take a step forward and own up to our responsibility; to ever make an active contribution to cleaning up the mess that is politics for the fear of tarnishing our own image by mere association.

That right there, I believe, is the death of democracy; where the people have the freedom to make a choice but don’t want to exercise it. If we can’t forgo our own selfish interests, regardless of what they might be, and choose to curse from afar, then why do we expect the politicians to put national interest ahead of their own needs? Be the change you want to see, isn’t it?

Surya Rajappan
[email protected]

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As part of an international campaign to free the apprehended Burmese leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Lady Sri Ram College organized a series of events to enhance the impact of the campaign. Aung San, who happens to be a distinguished alumna of the college (1964), has been imprisoned many times in course of her struggle for a free and democratic Burma.

In order to celebrate this indomitable spirit , LSR organized an exclusive screening of the film ‘Burma VJ: Reporting from a close country’, which through it’s hard hitting visuals and singular footage strongly reflected the difficult fight for democracy in Burma. The screening was accompanied by a panel discussion which saw participation from some of the most eminent personalities including G Parthasarthy, distinguished diplomat; Jaya Jaitly, political and social activist; Ravi Nair, human rights activist and Sagarika Ghoshe, TV anchor who acted as the mediator for the event.

Dr. Meenaxi Gopinath in her welcome address said, “We feel empowered by the struggle of this illustrious alumna for democracy and human rights in Burma.”

Parthasarthy expressed the need for international pressure to solve the Burmese issue- “ We have to work with others in the world, we have to persuade ASEAN.” Jaya Jaitly stressed on the effectiveness of independent action from each nation by means of a letter to the UN Secretary General. Introspection and suggestions for the future formed a part of Ravi Nair’s opinion, who further went on to muse over how the world should deal with generals who had no “eyesight, insight or foresight”.

Also present were Burmese monks Ashin Pannasiri, one of the many mistreated at the hands of the military and who had to escape from jail; Ashin Thavara, who featured in the above mentioned movie ‘Burma VJ’ and Thin Thin Aung from the Women’s League of Burma. Ashin Pannasiri’s version of the famous Saffron Uprising of 2007 deeply touched and inspired the audience.

LSR organized an essay writing competition based on Aung San Suu Kyi and a cross country race for her release. The Cross Country which was held on the 28^th of August saw the participation of over 600 students.

A message from Dalai Lama to LSR said,” I am happy to learn of LSR’s initiative. It is my hope that Ms Aung San Suu Kyi will not be kept captive for long and that under her leadership the people of Burma will soon achieve their aspirations for which she worked so hard and so courageously.”

Lady Sri Ram College proudly celebrated the struggle of a woman who symbolizes democracy and is an epitome of courage and values. It held this event with the hope that the world will unite in this fight for justice and see participation from the youth, just as Aung San Suu Kyi herself participated in the struggle to alter the lives of millions!

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