Hyderabad, September 6: Democracy is not a battle; it is about ensuring the freedom of others. Bypassing the national institutions by asserting oneself is a dangerous trend. It is an effort to undermine people, which include Minorities, Dalits and other sections. Prof. Jyotirmaya Sharma, Dept. of Political Science, University of Hyderabad, expressed these views yesterday at Maulana Azad National University. He was delivering Teachers Day lecture on “Have we Misunderstood Democracy?” Prof. Mohammad Vice-Chancellor, MANUU was in the chair.
Prof. Sharma while referring to various misconceptions about the Democracy raised various important questions. He described the Democracy as most desirable form of government and remarked that idea of freedom is far more complex. Television Channels by giving undue importance to petty issues has vitiated the democratic atmosphere. Media should be made accountable. Democracy is all about compromise and reducing the inconvenience of others and not humiliating them. It doesn’t approved extreme positions. Indian public take slogans to their heart. Prosperity of people is not the ultimate thing. It is more important to ponder over that what type of people we are preparing? Democracy is not just name of promises. It requires patience. Whereas the middle class is highly impatient, he remarked. Indian middle class is only bothered about their rights and forget the fact that in the process of attaining their rights, they are usurping other’s rights. Democracy has the capacity to accommodate difference of opinion. People prefer themselves over the institutions, whereas in Democracy institutions are important not the individuals. According to Prof. Sharma, process of talk must not stop. This is the only way to resolve the problems. Prof. Sharma also answered the questions raised by the audience. In a reply to question he said that talks should not confine to rigid time frame. These types of discourses and dialogues were there in the past and will continue in the future also. Ideas of India are there, they have to be explored. He criticised the technocratic managerial mind set.
Prof. Mohammad Miyan in his presidential remarks agreed with the view that middle class lacks patience. It is in haste to solve problems. While appreciating Prof. Sharma’s Lecture, Prof. Mohammed Miyan remarked that the India is partial Democracy and in a sense quasi aristocratic country. He also complimented the Instructional Media Centre, MANUU for producing an excellent documentary on Teachers Day. Documentary was screened at the beginning of the programme.
Function started with the recitation of Quran by the verses from Holy Qari Abdullah Siddiqui (M.Phil. Arabic). He also rendered its Urdu and English translation. Prof. S.M. Rahmatullah, Dean School of Arts & Social Sciences welcomed the gathering and introduced the guest. Prof. H. Khatija Begum, Registrar proposed vote of thanks. Mr. Abid Abdul Wasay, P.R.O. conducted the proceedings. Large number of students, teachers, officers and prominent personalities from the city attended the function at CPDUMT Auditorium.
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