The vanishing ethics of Indian democracy

The eternal human pursuit of progress and excellence, which sustains communities and nations in the long march of global civilisation, succeeds only when conducted on the pedestal of a sound moral and humane foundation. This becomes even more relevant in today’s fiercely competitive world, which speaks of peace and fraternity yet consistently generates violence and wars. Amid the glitz and glamour of materialistic pursuits, the bonds of human relationships are being seriously diluted. Distrust, discard, and the dilution of humane connections increasingly define relations between communities and nations.

The mutuality between humans and nature-essential for sustaining life on Earth-is being ruthlessly devastated. Furthermore, democracy, which promised a new world of ‘liberty, equality, and fraternity’ for all, now confronts a deafening dilution of its moral, ethical, and humanistic dimensions. During the second half of the 20th century, much was expected from India, which had attained independence following a unique path. The nation carved out a place of respect for itself by sharing the universality of its ancient heritage, its lived values, and its wisdom-a legacy that was increasingly recognised in the West.

Swami Vivekananda had already won hearts when he uttered the first words of his historic address in Chicago in 1893: “Brothers and Sisters of America!” The calming whiff of spirituality and morality pervaded not only those present in the hall but also spread far and wide across the West. People learned that spirituality unites hearts and helps them internalise the essential unity of all religions. When the colossal persona of Gandhi emerged on the global horizon, the essence of Indian civilisation and its knowledge quest spread even wider.

Globally, people watched with deep interest-and some apprehension-to see whether this could indeed be the path to human emancipation, peace, and brotherhood; the means to achieving the utopian dream of a world without wars and violence. That was not to be. Yet the focus on the ‘deprived, desolate, excluded, and those denied basic God-given rights’ was one of the great achievements of the Indian freedom struggle. Thanks to stalwarts such as Gandhi, Dr Rajendra Prasad, and Dr Ambedkar, these concerns were emphatically woven into the Constitution of India. But have we been truly sincere in ensuring the spirit of the Constitution is realised in practice?

What a tragedy that these very groups are constantly misled and used as political fodder in the vote-accumulation strategies of ambitious politicians. In my interactions with young people in universities and other institutions of higher learning, I invariably refer to the ancient Indian philosophy of Sarva Bhuta Hite Ratah — being devoted to the welfare of all-which represents the essence of Gandhian values.

The question that regularly arises, almost in chorus, is: Where are Gandhian values today? Having witnessed the dawn of independence, one must accept that democracy in practice offers little evidence that Gandhian values are even considered relevant by most political formations.

The electioneering in Bihar in November 2025 was another stark eye-opener-especially for those who still swear by Mahatma Gandhi’s name-revealing what our political leaders, particularly those claiming to be the inheritors of his legacy, have done to his principles. Practically every day some politician makes public statements or delivers speeches clearly intended to damage social cohesion and religious harmony.

People witness the sheer hypocrisy of those who claim to be in politics solely to serve the ‘last man in the line’. Sadly, most cannot find that last man and instead focus only on serving their near and dear ones. Elections should logically be moments for reflection, review, and re-envisioning. Those in power are expected to present an honest record of their achievements, along with their vision and concrete action plan for the next five years. Those in opposition should present details of their constructive work, their success in correcting the power structure, and convince people how they would govern better if given a chance.

This is simply not happening. I have no hesitation in recalling the apprehensions Gandhi ji expressed in a letter written over a century ago, on January 241922:

“We should remember that immediately on the attainment of freedom our people are not going to secure happiness. As we become independent, all the defects of the system of elections, injustice, the tyranny of the richer classes as also the burden of running administration are bound to come upon us… But there is hope, if education spreads throughout the country. From that people would develop from their childhood qualities of pure conduct, God-fearing, love. Swaraj would give us happiness only when we attain success in the task. Otherwise, India would become the abode of grave injustice and tyranny of the rulers.”

Could anyone remain unmoved by this prophetic foresight and his deep understanding of Indians and their psyche?

The common man has lost hope in the promises made by most political formations and their leaders. The same applies to the countless illogical freebies politicians announce, which only generate uniform disdain across the voting population and among future voters. Gandhi’s “last man in line” is being fed nothing but false assurances and empty promises. These trends will only grow if left unchecked. The only encouraging sign is that voters have learned to read between the lines. Albert Einstein wrote:

“The most important endeavour is the striving for morality in one’s own actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it… To make morality a living force and bring it to clear consciousness is perhaps the foremost task of education.” There is no alternative to this.

The author is an educationist, a Padma Shri awardee, and works in religious amity and social cohesion; views are personal