Proud to be an Indian today

"I, Manmohan Singh, do solemnly swear...". When I hear this, I feel proud to be an Indian. Not because I am a Congress Supporter. In fact, the party I voted for won a single assembly seat. Still, I feel proud when I see Manmohan Singh take the Oath to be the next Prime Minister of India. Because, it shows that India has elected it's new representatives in a democratic, largly incident free, and peaceful manner. As an Indian, I cannot help feel proud of that.

We, the people of India, have participated in one of the most important events of our lives. With all it's negatives and problems, the fact remains that we have a new government democratically elected and there would a peaceful transition from old to new. This is a cause for celebration, especially when we look around the neighbourhood of our country. We, the people of India, have decided that a Sikh gentleman and an Italian born catholic should take charge of the reins of the government responsible to a billion+ people. The people of India have decided to look at the capabilities of people rather than their religious or ethnic leanings. How can I not be proud to be an Indian today?

However, though proud, I do realize that there are many problems with the electoral process still. Over 40% of those eligible to vote did not or could not vote. That is a travesty of democracy. There was use of money power and divisive politics. Due to multi cornered contests, parties are getting elected while actually getting the nod from less than 30% of the electorate. The bargaining for the cabinet berths is getting a little ugly. Such things would need to be looked at by all of us, the voters, to see what can be done. Possibly, we can make some changes to our choices in the next election? :-)

One final thought. Though I respect Dr. Manmohan Singh and consider him to be a clean politician, it saddens me that the man that would preside over the fortunes of billion+ people is afraid of fighting an election himself and getting elected. This is the one black spot in an otherwise impeccable credentials of our Prime Minister. I think, the congress party should make use of the positive vibe sorrounding Dr. Manmohan Singh and put him up for Lok Sabha as soon as possible. Other wise, For all the good things he may have done and will do, Dr. Singh will also be remembered as the man who was afraid to fight an election.