Challenges and importance of liberalism in a democracy
Indian liberalism faces challenges from both left and right, with criticisms of elitism, individualism, and Western colonialism.
India’s tryst with liberalism began in the 1990s, but it has faced criticism and a decline in support.
The rise of populist and authoritarian leaders has led to a decline in liberal democracy, with only 34 countries maintaining it in 2022
In the context of liberalism facing an existential crisis, the recent swing towards the right in the European Parliament, points towards public opinion veering in favour of climate scepticism, anti-migration sentiment and the rising tide of divisiveness as a result of fervent nationalism.
A similar victory of the right-wing conservative forces seemed to be the logical outcome in the recent general election in India
It is in such a political milieu that a conversation has to begin between the overzealous conservatives and the beleaguered left.
Readiness to legislate and execute with rationality and justice, and having the responsiveness to intervene in the dilemma of the marginalised, hungry, unemployed masses is all that the polity of a country longs for.
Human rights that are bestowed by the nation-state on some, while excluding others through forced assimilation, ethnic cleansing or even genocide, principally explains the origins of many of today’s crises.
The Indian voter has indeed woken up and given a resounding blow to the indomitable regime that set out to create a toxic imbalance between various political parties in an environment despondently sunk in hatred and ethnic violence.
It is indeed heart warming to see the emergence of a collective effort to forge an opposition that, hopefully, will keep the now downsized government on its toes.
There is some hope in the idea that democratic forces always remain alive, strike at the roots of any antagonistic political aberration that may hinder the regeneration of institutions and full-bodied political thinking for the empowerment of each individual and his rights, underpinned by a sustainable consensus.
The very complexion of Indian politics must change to show to the emerging hard right wing that democratic forces are up and kicking when human dignity is in question.
Our impetus into the future is not only about personal liberty or democratic self-rule based on our Constitution; it is also steeped in moral significance.
Some restrictions on individual freedom
Society places restriction on freedom in order to curb the misuse of freedom and to prevent it from being used in the wrong way.
The freedom of individuals cannot be curbed unless that freedom interferes with the societal point of view regarding what is correct and what is incorrect.
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