Statement by Gopal Prasad ‘RTI Sevak’ on Democracy, Journalism and Social Inequality

Statement by Gopal Prasad ‘RTI Sevak’ on Democracy, Journalism and Social Inequality “Democracy is not merely the name of conducting elections; it is the name of a system that ensures equality, freedom, accountability and the dignity of citizens.” We had read the definition of democracy as “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” But even today my direct question is: why do I not see that democracy in practice? If the people are the real masters of democracy, then why is the participation and accountability of the common citizen so limited in the decision-making process, political parties, institutions and centres of power? Today it appears that the major political parties have gripped the democratic system in their political hold like an octopus, and democracy itself is groaning. The major pillars of democracy—the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and the independent media—from which we expect the Constitution, citizens’ rights and oversight of governance, are continuously facing questions about their independence, accountability and institutional strength. I believe that every institution must be accountable to the Constitution and the people, above any power, party or individual. The most worrying situation arises when even under democratic governance, incidents of caste-based discrimination, untouchability, social boycott or so-called ‘purification’ come to light. Such incidents are not merely an insult to an individual; they raise serious questions before our social conscience and constitutional consciousness. The Constitution has granted the right to equality and dignity, but if discrimination occurs against someone because of their caste in social practice, it is proof that despite legal freedom, our mental slavery has not yet been completely eradicated. Recently, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge raising the issue of the alleged ‘purification’ incident after his programme in Uttarakhand in Parliament brings this broader social question to the fore. In such cases, it is necessary to go beyond allegations and counter-allegations, conduct a factual investigation, fix responsibility and take action in accordance with the Constitution. To those who raise their voice against reservation, my clear question is: if equality is truly to be established, why is an honest initiative not first taken to end the caste-based social system and discrimination? I challenge the opponents of reservation to come forward to end the caste system, run a social campaign against caste discrimination, and give social acceptance to inter-caste marriages. If real equality is established in society and the social inequality that has continued for centuries is ended, then it will be natural to reconsider the need for reservation. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar linked social democracy not only with political rights but with liberty, equality and fraternity. Therefore, the measure of the success of democracy cannot merely be that elections are being held; the real question is whether the last person in society is receiving equal respect, opportunity, justice and security. “Make the slaves aware of their slavery, and the revolution will happen on its own”—this thought still appears important in the context of social consciousness. But today’s democratic revolution should not be one of violence or anarchy; it should be a revolution of constitutional awareness, asking questions, seeking information, ensuring accountability and peaceful democratic participation. The role of journalism is extremely important. The media is called the fourth pillar of democracy. Therefore, the fundamental duty of journalism should not be to praise those in power, but to question power and provide facts to the people. The media must remember that according to Newton’s third law, “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” If journalism consistently appears one-sided in favour of those in power and ignores the real questions of the people, it is natural for the people’s trust in it to erode. When the public begins to view a media organisation as “Godi Media,” the greatest crisis it faces is that of its credibility. Closeness to power cannot be a substitute for the independence of journalism. My purpose is not to insult any journalist or media organisation; my only appeal is that journalism should become the guardian of the people, not the spokesperson of those in power. The information revolution has completely changed the landscape of journalism. Today, citizens have numerous channels such as social media, independent digital platforms, citizen journalism and direct information. If traditional media does not give adequate space to the questions of the people, citizens themselves will create alternative platforms for their voice. When analysing data related to the readership/viewership, circulation, digital reach and TRP of traditional newspapers and television channels, we should rely on official and credible sources. But it is clear that the people’s trust is the greatest capital of any media organisation; once credibility is lost, it cannot be regained merely through advertisements and technical reach. What is the real meaning of democracy after all? For me, democracy does not mean merely voting once every five years. Democracy means—the right to question those in power; the right to obtain information; the freedom to express dissent; freedom from discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, language and gender; independent and impartial institutions; independent and responsible journalism; equality before the law; and the continuous public accountability of the government and political parties. The people are not merely voters; they are the real masters of democracy. Therefore, political parties, governments, constitutional institutions and the media—all must understand that democracy is not the private property of any one party, leader or institution. It is the collective constitutional heritage of crores of citizens. My struggle is not against any individual or political party, but against inequality, opacity, political arrogance, the lack of institutional accountability and social discrimination. Democracy will be strengthened only when it is accepted at every level, from power to society, that the citizen who asks questions is not the enemy of democracy, but its most important guardian. — Gopal Prasad RTI Sevak, Delhi Mobile: 9910341785, 08178949704 Email: sampoornkranti2025@gmail.com #Democracy #Journalism #Social_Inequality #Discrimination #Untouchability #Purification #BJP #Modi #Dalit #Reservation #Caste #System_Change #Gopal_Prasad #RTI #RTI_Sevak #Gopal_Prasad_RTI_Sevak #Gopal_Prasad_RTI_Activist #Sampoorna_Kranti #Inequality #Revolution #Protest