India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, epitomised liberal values and separated religion from politics. His worldview was shaped by the ideals of democracy, secularism and equality. Today, these values have emerged yet again as the defining features of not just liberal thinking, but also for policymaking and legislation.
If we can define liberalism as the belief that individuals can pursue desired goals, as long as they do not infringe on the equal liberty of others to do so as well, then liberal values have certainly become dominant in the Indian socio-economic space, whether it is political rights, economic rights or social pursuits.
Liberal values are also influencing our perception of economic development. While the importance of rapid economic growth is undeniable, “new India” wants a balanced approach. Mindful of this, a new mining and minerals legislation has been drafted by the government to give local people and communities a stake in projects that have a direct bearing on their rights and way of living.
While some may understand economic liberalism to mean uncontrolled markets, we in India are leveraging the scope of the market to benefit the masses. A key instrument in this endeavour is the use of ICT to ensure more effective, efficient and transparent government. With rapid mobile penetration in rural areas and broadband connectivity, government services and other services are being delivered at the doorsteps of citizens in rural and remote areas.
Conservatives tend to resist such changes as it threatens their paternalistic privilege to define what is good for the people they govern. Yet, they forget that a true democracy ensures that those who are not always in a position to fight for their own rights are empowered and protected.
Conservative thinking protects the elite and stifles free thinking, creativity, entrepreneurship and equality of opportunity. Education for all is one way to ensure that this does not happen. The Indian Parliament realised this when it passed the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. For the first time, access to education has become a right, and the future generations of India will not be constrained by where they were born, and to whom they were born.
Liberals espouse the importance of human rights, individual freedom and the rule of law. These ideas found a champion in India’s judicial system that last year decriminalised homosexuality in a landmark judgment. Similarly, the government is working to end honour killings in India.
The writing on the wall is clear. Young people, who defy the self-proclaimed moral code of orthodox groups and desire the liberal values of personal choice and freedom, have to be protected.
India is firmly committed to the ideals of basic human rights, equality, rule of law, freedom of choice for the individual, economic and social freedom, and the right to private property — all critical elements of a true liberal democracy. The fate of political parties in recent times is evidence that those who deviate from these ideals will be punished by the voters.
A new crop of young leaders, politicians and professionals are working everyday to accelerate the adoption of liberal values and thoughts in policies and legislation in India.
The resilience of the Indian democracy and liberal values is finally paying off, and narrow stereotypes will no longer stick. The ballot and the influence, both, will belong to those who will accept the plurality of thoughts and actions. This is the New India.
Sachin Pilot is the minister of
state for communications &
information technology
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