Hurray! We are finally a democracy!
Ba-adab, ba-mulayza, hoshiyar. Bells are ringing, trumpets are blowing the red carpet is rolled out.
As the election results are out, television, print and online media will see heated debates and read in-depth analysis. While the winning party might celebrate and pop that champagne, the losing party will reposition its 2014 LokSabha poll strategy. Also, while the party spokespersons try to be at their defensive and offensive best, there is one major change (*apart from the satta-parivartan ofcourse) that has occurred- we have found our voice! A voice that has compelled the top leadership to actually listen to what the people want.
So, in my perspective, this isn’t a BJP or a Modi victory. This isn’t a AAP or Arvind Kejriwal victory. This isn’t a congress defeat. This isn’t even a Rahul Gandhi or a Sheila Dikshit defeat. What we have seen today is much more profound. It is the maturing of the Indian democratic system. And all this has been possible because of the emergence and expansion our voice via social media.
For 60 years, Indian democratic system has been governed by 2 parties (not congress and BJP). It has been governed by the poor (along with poor belonging to a minority) and a small subset of extremely rich people. In more ways than one, we for 67 years have never been a true democracy because democracy is about finding our voice and representing it ourselves. The hitherto politically inactive middle class has woken up. It has announced its entry into active politics. It has taken the matters into its own hands.
I am proud to announce (in my joint capacity as a middle-class person as well as in my capacity as one of the few who are involved in this beautiful revolution we lovingly call social media) that we are the power. The message is clear: DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A COMMON MAN.
Democracy is for, by and of the people and this is precisely what we have achieved today. We have defined the framework of our future by claiming what is rightfully ours. This is what has made US into a superpower. This is what has removed corruption from Singapore. This is what makes for a great country. What we will see in 2014 now will be the full roar of true democracy where power is not concentrated in the hands of few, where top to down approach is a thing of past. The first political party to wake up to this reality and revamp itself will win. That why I say this ain’t the victory of AAP or BJP, nor is it the defeat of Congress. Once again, quoting the legendary Mr. Shahrukh Khan, the actor who represents the true meaning of people power! DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A COMMON MAN.
This victory has broken all the traditional ways; there is no religion (dharamvaad), caste (jaativaad), region (shetravaad), rich or poor game this time. Those who stood had a common thought – democracy. People have voted for building governance which is by the people and the increased percentage in voting clearly reflects this. Today, more than any other time, I am proud to be OMLogic and proud to know how to empower people. I am proud to live in this wonderful time of the beginning of social media, a medium which has transformed itself into a strong, powerful, hard-hitting and an influential message.
Rohit Rajpal
All I can say is… The trolls of the internet would have a field day with an unstructured conversation involving anything that mattered.
December 8, 2013Bhaskar Ch
You are right! It’s a sheer win for a common man, but my appreciation goes with all those who dedicated time and effort to bring this movement a great success.
I have personally felt the vibes while voting and made me realize the importance of electing the right leader. And thanks to Arvind Kejriwal, who has ignited the self belief and rightly posted by you that choice matters a lot and hence taken a stern decision by me and many to cease and deny all those politicians who has taken mother India for granted!
Lastly thanks to all our social media connections to reach out loud and clear message that “we belong to democratic country and empowering mind”
December 9, 2013anwesha sen majumdar
Social media has been instrumental in creating awareness and roping in first time voters. This polls has shown that the so called non voting middle class has woken up to the govt apathy and made their voices heard .
December 9, 2013Neha Srivastava
Social media changed the whole game tremendously . The youth as they are by Twitter and Facebook, keenly followed the aggressive campaigns on social media and were driven to come to polling stations. #SocialMediaRocks
December 9, 2013Ruchi Singh
The Social Media in this election proved like a storm in a tea cup. It gave a platform to the common man to channelize his energy and share the political messages.
December 9, 2013Social Media also deserves credit for the fact that Delhi saw its highest voter turnout in history. The debates, raising of issues, criticism, and the conversations created a generation of voters who are more conscious than ever that their votes do matter. All hail #SocialMedia.
Shailaja
There were times when a news would be shared on various social media platforms, the cycle has reversed. Social media has become not only a key influencer but it is what creates the news. The tech-savvy generation is spontaneous, restless, well informed and proactive.
December 9, 2013Don’t underestimate the power of a common man!
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December 11, 2013Don’t underestimate the power of a common man!
[…] Indian democracy has so far been elected and influenced by people who don’t know any better. As I mentioned in my last piece, only people who voted were: […]
December 11, 2013