Introduction
The importance of social activism is crucial in ensuring that the democracy survives in India though, it is not the lone instrument for promoting democracy. Social activists’ attempts for engaging civil society in a dialogue about key issues affecting the society, really counts for promoting democracy.
However, in order to ensure continued progress of democracy in India, not only the the cause. All the factors including the alert media, objective judiciary, sincere political leaders, ethical businessmen, courageous social activists, visionary intellectuals, keen civic sense and patriotism combined together, are crucial for the survival of democracy in any nation across the world.
The Perspective
Social activism is not the lone factor responsible for the advancement of democracy within a nation. Democracy in a nation can be secured and flourished only through the active involvement of all other members of the society.
Social activism lacking principles will be of no help to any democratic nation. Moreover, it will be damaging for our nation. Activists with the intention of malicious agendas or campaigns for gaining power or money will be exposed in the long run. They will not be of any help to the Indian democracy.
Though, social activism is essential to the maintenance of democracy, it loses its worth for the survival of democracy in a country with incompetent political leaders and unethical businessmen involved in corrupt means of bribery and money laundering.
Such circumstances make it almost impossible for even the most determined social activist to be able to campaign successfully for any cause. Social activism will be of little help to preserve the sound functioning of democracy unless the society is observant about the various developments taking place in its surroundings. It is in the interest of the nation that media keep a distance towards any temptation to paid news or remain uninfluenced from any political interference resorting to slur campaigns, otherwise the Indian democracy will be left in anarchic state. Merely social activists’ sacrifices for the cause of democracy would not be sufficient unless the government and corporate leaders come out of their nexus to achieve their selfserving interests.
The objective of democracy is to assign the power in the hands of the people. However, social activism is worthless and of no use if citizens themselves are indifferent and unwilling to participate in key issues of importance to societal growth. Social activists can raise their voice for the people’s cause only when the media or the lobbyists do not suppress them. Parties with selfish motives are a hindrance to the democratic set-up and reduce democracy to a laughingstock in the country.
An example of how much destructive political camouflage could be for the democracy in our nation, is the recent censorship of the parliamentary proceedings on national television during the discussion on the Telangana bill. In addition, a direct violation of the democratic principles is being committed by the businessmen who, in pursuit of their petty self-interest, offer bribes to exploit the economic resources in the country.
Continuous support of celebrities, common man and principled media to social activism can, help achieve transparency and accountability in India that in turn will re-establish the previous glory of Indian democracy
Conclusion
It could be difficult for even the leaders to raise social issues if they face stiff opposition from rivals or warring factions. Leaders from various parties in India are involved in such political scuffle. It is necessary for the survival of democracy that the administration works in tandem with the leaders for effective implementation of reforms. Social activism is only part of the solution