The story of democracy from around the world

There is just one thing that has been talked about this previous month and, most probably will continue to be talked about in the next couple of weeks as well.

The Indian General Elections 2014 has made its buzz and impression in news around the world. One of the star highlights has been the impressive number of Indians preparing to vote this time around – 815 million. Morgan Stanley's Ridham Desai declared this would be the "biggest election in world history!”

So what is the story of democracy from around the world? Are elections and democracy universal? The answer, I’m afraid is not a yes. Even though 80% of countries on this planet are democratic – there are still a handful of countries that are autocratic. 

Even the quality of many of these democracies remains deeply flawed. Only 15 percent can be described as "full democracies," with 31 percent counting as "authoritarian regimes." Another interesting fact about democracy is that the wealthiest countries tend to be democracies: outside the petro-states, the top 25 richest countries in the world (as ranked by the World Bank) are also fully established democracies.

It all began way back in the 1900; New Zealand was the only country with a government elected by all its adult citizens. By the end of the century, there were ostensibly 120 electoral democracies in place!

Here in India, the story of democracy will take a new turn when the new government will be decided next month based on the majority of votes from the current electoral process. For good or bad, only time will tell.

Hope each of you exercised your voting power this time around. Why? Read my post on the importance of voting here: http://sandeepsonisays.blogspot.in/2014/04/one-citizen-one-vote.html

Source for all the amazing facts and the picture in this blog: World Bank  

The best days of your life!

As I stroll down beautifully manicured lawns, I reminisce the days of my youth when I was entering my college. Those were the some of the best days of my life that I cherish and have fond memories of.  My son too, will now begin this very same journey of life. The period when one is uncertain and not knowing what the future holds yet filled with optimism and youth and hopes of conquering the world & making a difference.

These days are few to come by, in one’s whole lifespan these few years feel like a drop of rain on the parched earth. Just out of school, boards are over and there are no parents or teachers breathing down your neck. You have nothing to worry about, because you are carefree & young.

You are eager to meet new people and make new friends. Studies are no more your top priority. You dress like a film star and party like one too. When the sunrises, you feel as though the whole world is shining.  You love to play your music really loud, rock music to your ears is like listening to the birds singing, even though your neighbors may harshly disagree.

First few days of your college are like the first few days of your courtship. Filled with lots of expectations and mixed with anticipation and high hopes.  It is important that you don’t lose your way however. As I spoke my mind I shared my concerns with my son who had also joined me for my morning walk. I told him that I did not expect much of him except that he grows up into a respectable young man who would not forget his roots, his culture and most of all his family. He said to me “Dad, I will never forget this day. You have given me permission to go and pursue my studies at one of the best colleges in the world and your blessings are more than enough for me”.

His words convince me that no matter where he goes now and whatever he eventually decides to do; he will be a young man just like I was many years ago, ready to take on what life has to offer and to make the best of it. To never give up and most of all to never forget.