Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Introspection vital

In his article `Political state and civil society', Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer (Feb.15) laments the degeneration of our State and society and calls for operational amity, consensus and sense of togetherness that form the foundation of a functioning democracy informed by the rule of law and life. He suggests ``self-criticism as a social (and even a political) necessity.'' He also points out that political and social organs can come into constructive play or destructive negativity in this milieu. Indian democracy has reached this pathetic state mainly due to our `netas' who are self-serving and power-hungry; they seek power only to enrich themselves and not to serve the society. Value-based politics and policies are no longer the sine qua non of our political scenario. `Divide and rule' is the foundation of power and our `leaders' have become adept in this art. Exploitation of communal, casteist and regional tendencies to the sake of power is the norm for success in politics today.

In this free-for-all scenario, money and muscle power have come to rule the roost. Naturally, criminal elements, who are freely used by the `netas', have jumped into the fray to legitimise their status in society. In fact, with `artists' also joining the political battle, life has begun imitating art. When morality and values have been given the go-by, when money can buy anything/anyone, corruption becomes the norm. Indeed, our politicians have played their role of `destructive negativity' to the hilt. And, naturally every arm of the State has become politicised and society has become Balkanised.

We have to do a lot of self-introspection at all levels — political, administrative and social. We are faced with a systemic failure and what is needed is self-inquisition — leading to a true sense of patriotism, fervent feeling of social good and unity in diversity; a welcome return to our cultural roots based on tolerance and mutual respect.

Srinivasan Pattoo,
Chennai

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