Kodaikanal Gandhi Prize 2023
Honourable Mention
Essay Topic: How might Gandhi have responded to the way elections are conducted today, looking at one or more of the following: (1) election financing; (2) campaign rhetoric; or (3) the election commission.
The Kodaikanal Gandhi Prize
by
Jayesh Mahajan
DPS, Jalandhar
“My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realizing Him.” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi(popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi) was called “The Father of The Nation”. This is because his religious beliefs were centred around truth and non-violence, which he believed to be the guiding principles of his life. He saw truth as his superior being, and non-violence as the means to realize this divine power. Gandhi possessed extraordinary insights and an unwavering determination to shape modern India as we see it today. His genuineness, integrity, and commitment to nonviolence were the formidable tools he employed in his struggle, ultimately granting us the precious essence of liberation.
He envisioned a unified and harmonious country for an independent India. Nonetheless, his anticipation did not encompass the significant inflow of financial resources utilized in political campaigns, nor did he predict the prevalence of politicians resorting to bribery in a desperate attempt to gain public support. Gandhi devoted his entire life to pursuing an alternate vision of our nation, yet the present condition in which we live deviates significantly from his cherished ideals and aspirations.
ELECTIONS : (An Overview) -
Conducting an election can be compared to the act of rowing a boat where synchronization and unity among all rowers are essential. Just like in rowing, in order to steer the boat in the right direction, all rowers must exert their efforts simultaneously and in harmony. If any of the rowers fail to synchronize their actions, the boat's movement will be disrupted, causing it to veer off course or become uncontrollable. Elections in contemporary India are efficiently planned and executed, displaying a remarkable level of organization. The electoral process is meticulously coordinated, ensuring comprehensive coverage even in the most remote regions of the country. Strict measures are taken to guarantee that every adult citizen is granted equal opportunities to participate, without any form of coercion or manipulation. However, individuals frequently find themselves ensnared in snares laid by candidates. These snares often revolve around the enticing allure of money, resources, or guaranteed employment opportunities. As a result, it is reasonable to assume that even the esteemed leader and advocate for the independence of India, Mahatma Gandhi, would have desired to engage in dialogue with the public. Through such conversations, he would have aimed to enlighten
citizens about their pivotal role as responsible participants in society and as voters. Additionally, Gandhi would have sought to remind individuals of the solemn oath they take, affirming their unwavering faith in democracy. This pledge explicitly pledges to uphold the democratic principles that serve as the bedrock of our nation, while also highlighting the importance of conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections. Finally, Gandhi would have emphasized the significance of voting fearlessly and independently, without allowing considerations such as religion, race, caste, community, language, or any form of inducement to sway their decisions.
Election financing -
Campaign funding, known as election financing as well, encompasses the complex and intricate procedures undertaken to secure financial resources geared towards bolstering and advancing candidates, political parties, or even specific policies. This intricate process entails the active and dynamic participation of individuals and organizations, both as contributors and beneficiaries of these financial donations. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight that in certain instances, these monetary assets can also serve as acts of goodwill extended to the broader populace. Nevertheless, when these acts of goodwill escalate to encompass lavish vacations, valuable assets, and individuals in positions of power engaging in illicit activities, they transform into acts of corruption commonly referred to as bribery. When companies make donations without disclosing them, it creates an imbalance in the value of each vote, as these donations give them the power to influence policies. This system benefits the ruling parties, both at the national and state levels, more than anyone else, while ordinary voters face adverse effects.
If Gandhi had lived in present-day India, he would undoubtedly have been appalled and disgusted by the motivations of the small, yet impactful number of deceitful politicians who tarnish the entirety of India's political system, giving the impression of widespread corruption. He would have, instead, wanted our political leaders to use this money to generate awareness about the change they will bring if they are elected for good. Cast, creed, colour, and race should not be the determining factor or a targetted point in elections. According to Gandhi, the intertwining of religion and politics was a concept he strongly advocated. However, it is important to note that when he referred to religion, he did not specifically refer to Hinduism or Islam, but rather to the underlying moral principles that are present in all religious beliefs. His belief was that ethical conduct derived from religious teachings should serve as the guiding force behind political decisions.He would have strongly motivated honesty and would have believed that in order to gain favor and influence among others, it is crucial to proactively take charge and create a substantial positive effect on the lives of numerous individuals, rather than relying solely on the materialistic gesture of presenting a large sum of currency in the form of stone gray banknotes.
Election commission-
The responsibility of conducting elections in India is bestowed upon the Election Commission of India (ECI), an institution that was established as per the guidelines stated in the Indian Constitution. The crucial role of the Election Commission encompasses the supervision of various electoral processes, extending its authority over not only parliamentary polls but also state legislature elections. Acting as a unified force, the Election Commission works in close coordination with both the Central Government and regional governments, making it a truly national body.The Election Commission is dedicated to upholding a particular Model Code of Conduct, which serves the purpose of discouraging the adoption of illegal methods by both political parties and individuals, while also promoting and fostering involvement in lawful activities. This code further emphasizes the significance of candidates and political parties abstaining from engaging in any actions that may potentially worsen existing divides, foster animosity, or generate tensions among various social groups such as castes, communities, religions, or languages. As a result, it becomes the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that elections are conducted with the utmost integrity and that any instances of corruption are minimized to the greatest possible extent. The efficiency of the Election Commission of India in implementing the law is commendable, although there are occasional instances where financial resources may be sunk or misplaced during the transition from the government to the designated personnel.
“Service without humility is selfishness and egotism ”
Despite these challenges, the Election Commission of India and its well-established infrastructure would undoubtedly bring immense satisfaction to Gandhi. He would highly appreciate and admire the relentless efforts and remarkable achievements of this esteemed national institution. Not only would he express his support, but he would also provide encouragement and inspiration to the members of the Commission, urging them to continue their dedicated and exceptional work, which they have consistently demonstrated.
CONCLUSION -
Hence, the responsibility of upholding a commendable reputation for India's election process does not solely rest on the shoulders of our political leaders. As the majority and empowered citizens of India, it is imperative that we actively participate in democracy and play our part in ensuring a fair and transparent conduct of elections. After all, if there is no one to bribe, then who will be enticed into corruption? Therefore, we must acknowledge our roles in safeguarding the integrity of our beloved country and refrain from succumbing to temptations that may hinder our progress.
The Indian constitution proclaims India as an autonomous, socialist, impartial, and democratic nation, pledging to provide its citizens with fairness, parity, and freedom, and striving to foster unity among them.
However, if it were not for our contributions, India would not possess the distinguished titles previously mentioned. It is crucial to understand that we, as citizens, embody the essence of India itself. In truth, we are the very essence of India, its heartbeat and soul. Therefore, it is imperative for us to take action and stand up for our rights, as we have the power to create the transformative change we strive for in this global society.
As a result, it is crucial for us to actively engage in addressing the various forms of injustice prevalent in society, stepping outside our comfort zones to combat these issues head-on. By doing so, we can ensure that the essential principles of equality and fairness remain prominent and unwavering.
So, “BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD ” ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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