The promise of Democracy

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve."

- George Bernard Shaw

I am twenty-five.

High on hopes and dreams.

Yet never spared of

My share in pains and rains.

I now wish not for wings,

As I used to in the past.

I now wish,

At least someday in the future

We shall be capable to nurture

Our hard earned Democracy

And the true spirit it enshrines.

To be able to listen,

To be able to reason,

To be able to pardon,

To be able to condemn -

All this with deserved precaution

In the interest of the nation.

Unprejudiced, Never partisan.

To be able to think,

To be able to appreciate,

To be able to criticize,

To be able to exercise

Our own judgment & discretion,

Guided by reason & information.

To stay strong despite loud propaganda,

In favor of the nation's welfare agenda.

Because like the old Zen adage

That the master appears only

When the student is ready,

Maybe the promise of democracy

Is awaiting to be fulfilled only

By conscious participation of

                "a deserving citizenry"!

(Published in 'The Hindu', here)