Dignity and freedom

Democracy and dignity. On dignity and freedom of the individual, democracy is far better than any other form of government. Everyone wants to be respected, and many conflicts start when people feel they are not. The wish for respect and freedom is the very basis of democracy. But in societies built for a long time on some people ruling over others, accepting that all are equal is not easy.

Women. Most societies were male-dominated. Long struggles by women have made people accept that respect and equal treatment of women are needed in a democratic society. Women are still not always respected. But when the principle has been accepted, it becomes easier for women to fight what is now wrong in law and in morals. In a non-democracy, such a struggle would have no legal backing.

Caste. In India, democracy has given more force to the claims of disadvantaged and discriminated castes to equal status and equal opportunity. Caste-based inequality and atrocities still happen, but they now have no moral or legal support. This recognition is perhaps why ordinary citizens value their democratic rights.

An exam that never ends. What makes democracy special is that its examination is never over. Every time it passes one test, a new one appears: as people get some benefits, they ask for more. So people always have complaints. (A student in the book jokes that democracy has 'so many exams' and 'millions of examiners'.)

Complaints are a sign of success. That people complain shows they have become aware, and dare to question the powerful. Democracy turns people from subjects (who just obey a ruler) into citizens (who have rights and can judge their rulers). Most people now believe their vote makes a difference: 67 per cent in India in the South Asia survey.

Nannu's story. Nannu, a daily-wage worker in Delhi, lost his ration card. For months he went to the office and was ignored. Then he used the Right to Information (RTI) Act, asking how far his application had got and which officials had handled it. Within a week he got his new ration card. One citizen using his rights made officials accountable.