It’s my way or highway

There is hardly any doubt about the merit of the institution of civil society in any country, in fact they strengthen the democracy and serve as a bridge between otherwise unrepresented social group and the decision making bodies, in countries like U.S. numbers of registered civil societies run into several thousands, they are well protected, having good source of revenue, have very strong lobbying and that’s why they exert very effective influence on policy making and have great contribution in deepening the institution of democracy itself. Quite importantly they also serve as a backwater for the political class and it is not ironical that countries having strong and influential civil societies generally have less chances of plunging into political crisis, although any country being completely immune from political disturbances is out of question.

In India civil societies have a very long history but that became buzz word especially after Anna hazare’s zantar mantar fast unto death exercise. Bending a reluctant government or political class for a just demand was something like a breeze of fresh air not really known by present generation which has remotely heard or reluctantly studied about Gandhian techniques. People cheered victory, crackers, congratulations, and the battle was won. But then, another fast by yet another prominent personality and story goes on.

Now there emerges some serious questions, like first -against whom the whole exercise is directed, when gandhiji did this it was directed against a regime which was unelective , superimposed by British to serve the imperial interest, but here, the case was just opposite. Secondly is it worth meeting all demands without compromising the position of some other institutions, thirdly how far is it feasible to translate every wish list into a sound , concrete policy at least in short run. Fourthly wouldn’t it create a perennial problem, if at every now and then civil society start using this technique to pressurize the government? Fifthly is it not possible that those who are publicity hungry may resort to the same technique used by the genuine one? Sixthly isn’t that civil society might be moving toward political blackmailing.

What would be the answer of above questions depend on how civil societies are going to get themselves identified, if they are  going to be noisy, destructive, coming across the way of every legislation, the answer would be negative but if they choose to be constructive rather than merely criticizing everything  then answer would be positive. The point is, we have to draw a line somewhere separating the crucial from mediocre elements otherwise , probably we will miss the entire objectivity in this vital rise of civil society.