A blueprint for harmony
Mohit Goswami

Discordant Democrats
by Arun Maira. Penguin. Pages 210. Rs 395.

india is among the largest democracies in the world, and a vibrant one at that, but discord appears to be the main impediment in its development. All sections of society have their say, with vested interests throwing in their weight for their selfish motives, and progress is the casualty in the process. This book presents a blueprint for arriving at consensus among varied groups, having different backgrounds and needs, and paints a picture of harmony among antagonistic shades of opinion. Clash of interests is natural among them and "dialogic processes are essential to prevent democracy deteriorating into a mechanical charade."

Tensions are natural to arise among groups, with insecurities and fears playing a major part. Dialogue is recommended as the way forward for them to arrive at a "both-and" scenario instead of an "either-or" one. Bringing people with diverse perspectives together will not bridge the gap between them unless they give a patient hearing to one another and give due respect to their respective viewpoints. Consultations and deliberations are often futile, as "enough attention is often not given to analysing the critical issue."

The tendency to correlate only with those with similar attitudes and attributes must be overcome, involving a wider spectrum of society. There is a need to shun stereotypes and judge each individual as a separate entity. For that it is essential that "we must respect the institutional roles each of us has to play."

Examples have been included in good measure to lend clarity and credence to the underlying thoughts. The affluent city residents have blinkers on due to which a majority of the urban population is "not connected with the lives of people in villages even fifty miles from them." There are solutions given by technical and management experts "torn apart by the meddling of social activists and the interference of politicians." An urgent need has been felt for the national leadership to rise "above bickering for power by uniting towards a compelling national vision."

The author has explained at length the need for processes of consensus building and the principles and tools required for the same. His methods, though simple, appear insightful. The ways of mass dialogue suggested, if implemented in a proper manner, can be effective in tackling a vast array of problems faced by humanity.

All that is required is to look within and listen to others. The author is convinced that these "will become the way for collaborative conversations in societies." Carrying all along has been advocated so that "the aspirations and fears of all involved must be known." This can eventually lead to a future where "discord among democrats may become less dysfunctional."

The book makes a strong case for peaceful confabulations the world over because the theory that "war is a legitimate way to protect or further national interests must be shunned." The ability to bring forces pulling in different directions together can be developed through these methods, taking India to its rightful exalted and glorious position in the comity of nations.

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