After reading Dr. Diamond's article, I for one would like to inform him that his analysis is like seeing a glass which is half empty or, a glass that is half full. In India's context, I see the glass as being half full.
Yes, India is surrounded by countries where democratic institutions either do not exist, or are very week. It is here that India plays a very important role. It is the beacon that provides a light for these countries to follow.
Secondly, I do not think democracy in India can ever fail. Democracy in our country has a very strong foundation at the grass root level. Right from the village Punchayat to the Lok Sabha, people are ingrained and know how democracy operates. Indians are conscious of their political rights, and freedom. One, however, would like our country men to be a bit more conscious of their political responsibilities too.
Dr. Diamond is correct in saying that there are severe problems like corruption and insurgency that plagues India. However, for the present generation, which is educated and has a higher level of political consciousness, the adherence to democratic principals will ensure that both these evils are banished from society.
Finally, which democracy does not have corruption? In the recent past, the USA has been plagued not by monetary corruption, but by moral corruption. At present, one of Canada's ex- Prime Ministers is being probed for accepting money from a lobbyist. Just a year ago, Canada had a Sponsorship Scandal, wher
