19/05/2024
Reposting my article written just before 2019 elections, and a small extract of it.
"A country, a collective of its citizens, is an extraordinarily strong force. Yet, it is also very vulnerable, particularly to those who govern it. The government serves as the guardian of the nation. If this guardianship is benign and benevolent, the country and its citizens foster better relationships, kinship, mutual respect, and act cohesively as a nation. Conversely, if the nation's guardians are divisive, manipulative, and jingoistic, their power can be malignant, leading to a parochial, suspicious, hate-filled, and violent atmosphere.
When I vote this year, it won't be for a candidate’s credentials, a local party, or specific issues alone. Instead, I will vote for the one party I believe can be a good guardian of India. I will take as much care in this decision as I would if I were choosing a guardian for a vulnerable, pre-teen child. I would want a guardian who could help create an inclusive culture with values of acceptance, respect, fairness, love, truth, courage, positivity, and kindness—qualities I would want my vulnerable ward to grow up with. These are also the qualities I want to see in my country and its citizens.
So, my vote is for a good guardian of the country, one who will nurture a cordial, filial, and strong India. I keep strongly in mind that the country is as vulnerable as a frail and delicate child, and that the choice of a good guardian will determine its future. If you are a disillusioned voter like me, then when voting, replace the vulnerable child's image with that of the country, and your vote will find the right guardian. So will mine."