Indian democracy eclipsed with 4Cs

Our democracy has been eclipsed by four Cs (cash, caste, corruption and crime).

As the sun and moon appear brighter after every eclipse, our democracy too will emerge clean once we get rid of these Cs," said Arun Gujarathi, former speaker of the State Legislative Assembly. He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the Saraswati Bhuvan state- level debate competition, organised at Govindbhai Shroff Lalit Kala Academy here on Saturday.

According to the former Speaker, democracy is based on four main pillars of equal importance. " Ours' is the largest democratic country in the world and it is very strong. et, there have been some cases of erosion of democratic values," he felt.

" Like ornaments, which require a chemical wash for brightness, the democratic system too needs a wash from time to time," Gujarathi said while putting an emphasis on choosing honest leaders, cleaning bureaucracy and strengthening judiciary.

While suggesting measures to stem the rot, the former Speaker called for earnest efforts aimed at dispensing social justice and curbing corruption.

The former speaker of the State Legislative Council also reviewed British, American and South Africans parliamentary system. There should be debate competitions for students as they help nurture democratic values.

" Such occasions show that democracy in India has not failed completely," Gujarathi said while appealing to students to strengthen democratic values. Justice (retd) Chapalgaonkar also spoke.