A reaffirmation of democratic norms

A reaffirmation of democratic norms

The Prime Minister’s speech is a call to the nation, to state governments run by his party and others. The norms he has upheld serve to assess adherence or deviance of policy and administration from what ought to be. It is not enough to hold the Modi administration to account if it strays from this vision but it is equally important to call out those who seek to detract and deter the government and country from moving ahead, leaving no one behind.To appreciate the true value of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the centenary of the establishment of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), consider the counterfactual. He upheld a vision of progress in which no one is held back on account of their religion. Suppose, for the sake of argument, he had said that, in this country, members of some religions would forge ahead while others lag. That would have, no doubt, cheered many sectarian hearts but would have undermined India’s democracy and its place in the comity of nations. By saying what he said, Prime Minister Modi has reaffirmed the norm of India’s non-denominational nationhood. That is important.

Narendra Modi is only the third PM to address AMU, and he underlined three things. What unites us all as Indians is far greater than what divides us. Differences and politics are integral parts of society but cannot be more important than the well-being of the society and country. Second, India’s development path should leave no one behind — one’s religion cannot be the reason for being held back. Implementation of assorted development and welfare schemes has been universal in their beneficial reach. Third, women are critical to improving lives. Their education not just empowers them but improves society as a whole, as well.

The Prime Minister’s speech is a call to the nation, to state governments run by his party and others. The norms he has upheld serve to assess adherence or deviance of policy and administration from what ought to be. It is not enough to hold the Modi administration to account if it strays from this vision but it is equally important to call out those who seek to detract and deter the government and country from moving ahead, leaving no one behind.