Now Reading: G.N. Devy: Citizens must lose fear of jail to reclaim democracy
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G.N. Devy: Citizens must lose fear of jail to reclaim democracy
In an essay on nationalheraldindia.com, writer and public intellectual G.N. Devy argues that the global rise of anti-democratic sentiment requires citizens to show moral courage and fearlessness, even to the point of…
The Story in Brief
In an essay on nationalheraldindia.com, writer and public intellectual G.N. Devy argues that the global rise of anti-democratic sentiment requires citizens to show moral courage and fearlessness, even to the point of going to jail. He cites the example of Kasturba Gandhi leading a resistance in South Africa in 1913.
Devy says the rituals of democracy have become hollow, replacing true representation with domination by the state. He calls for a reimagining of democracy as “cosmo-democracy” that includes rights for minorities, children, and non-human life. He asks whether citizens are ready to lose their fear of prison to reclaim the ideal.
The Indian Opinion
Devy’s call for jail-going bravery echoes a long Indian tradition but risks oversimplifying democracy’s crisis. The narrative that only individual moral courage can save democracy ignores the role of institutions and economic power. The true test will be whether his vision of cosmo-democracy influences any actual policy or remains an intellectual exercise.
Source: nationalheraldindia.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
