Understanding About Democracy and Discipline

Man is a social being. He lives in a society and gets on with others. Discipline is necessary for getting on with others and carrying out the common welfare.

According to me, without discipline, there cannot be a well organised and civilised society. Today, we are a highly civilised, cultured and developed people only because of our willing obedience towards certain rules, regulations and social behaviour. If there had been no discipline and code of social and individual behaviour, there would not have been any civilisation, culture or progress. If certain rules and regulations are not followed, there will be total disorder, violence and widespread misery in society. It is discipline which makes our life enjoyable, orderly, safe and worth living.

In a democracy, discipline plays an important role because democracy is said to be the government of the people, by the people and for the people. In democratic form of government, the ultimate power rests with the public and they enjoy independence. If they are not disciplined, democracy will turn into a dictatorship. Democracy believes that a ballot is more powerful than a bullet. To put this belief into practice it is necessary that people exercise self-control, discipline and follow the code of behaviour and conduct.

There cannot be any personal freedom without social order. An indiscipline nation can degenerate into chaos from democracy. Democracy involves a lot of self-discipline, adjustment and compromises so that others may also enjoy the same liberty as us. It is this sense of duty and discipline that makes democracy a success. A disciplined nation can face any challenge and overcome any crisis. Discipline binds all the citizens, whether one occupies the highest public office or the humblest one. All are equal before the law.

No democracy in the world has ever succeeded without discipline and observance of certain rules and regulations based on social ethics and rules of equality. Success of any democracy is always in direct proportion to the degree and quality of the discipline observed and maintained by its citizens.

Democracy grants the greatest number of liberties to its citizens. The authenticity of rights and liberties is the real test of a democracy as these are the highly valued privileges. Without these, it would amount to a meaningless existence. These imply freedom of movement, occupation, choice, possession, work, speech, expression, etc. Others have the same right to enjoy their freedom as we do.

Democracy, which stands for equality, justice and fraternity, is desirable and it makes discipline crucial. Indiscipline and non-observance of rules and regulations is a certain sign of decay, death and degeneration of democracy. Democracy and discipline reinforce and energize each other because both have their roots in a keen awareness of one’s duties, responsibility and liability.

Without understanding the spirit of discipline, it is not possible to have a genuine democracy. India is the largest democracy in the world. We would not have been successful in our struggle for freedom without discipline. This shows that the basics of Indian democracy are well laid on the pillars of self-discipline and the sense of social and moral responsibilities. It is this deep sense of duty and obligation that gives meaning to our democracy and guarantees its magnificent future.