Of course we have a democracy that works! Jai Hind. Imagine a Hitler instead of a Jalyalalitha, an Ayyatollah instead of Bal Thackeray, a Bush instead of  Manmohan, a Saddam instead of Kalam, an Idi Amin instead of say, Chidambaram, a Mussolini instead of Maini. We are blessed. We have the lesser evil. We should be thankful and grateful.

We do have freedom of speech. There have been stray incidents of goondas silencing some people, but overall, you are safe within four walls. Only when you venture outside, you have to be a bit careful.

At least there are no bullets flying around. And schoolchildren don’t carry guns. Once in a while, some accident happens. Only during bandhs and rallies we have to be really cautious and stay indoors. Some peaceful protestors may use some peaceful methods. It’s better to be safe. We are non-violent people.

The ones who stay put in their homes usually face no trouble. Especially if you have stocked up on all essential items you need till the peaceful bandh is over. If you don’t have rice, eat bread. If you don’t have bread, drink water.

We do have a good governance. Very, co-operative. Almost anything can be done, provided you know what to do. Everything has its price. The richest in India know that. And today, they are among the richest in the world. We do have very fair practices. Quid pro quo. You scratch, we scratch. Of course there are numskulls who don’t understand how the system works and they deserve to be where they are.

We do have communal harmony. All Indians are brothers and sisters. We do share and care. Only when it comes to brother marrying sister, the issues of caste, creed, religion, honour and all the rest come into play. Then there are those stray incidents pre-election, when vote banks need to be activated. But otherwise, all is well.

Just prior to elections, we see some strong fervour. A few buses get burnt. A couple of buildings stoned. A few thousand get killed. But we can afford it, can’t we? Besides once the politicians get their lollipops, they’ll stay quiet, sucking on it for a few years. No problems. After all, they do have their families to look after. C’mon, have a heart. Just look at Laloo. Imagine if you had a brood as big as his. What would you do?

Just close your eyes for a moment. Thoda Adjust Karo. Live and let live. You scratch. I scratch. Together we scratch.

We have become very rich. Our IT boys bring in big bucks. Our space chaps send satellites up there. Our cricket heroes are bringing us name and fame. Our filmi heroes are blogging without fear of being sued. Our democracy is singing Vande Mataram.

Despite everything, we are progressing. Even our corruption ranking is getting better. We are no longer the most corrupt in the world. Way ahead of Bangladesh and Nigeria and equivalent to Malawi and Romania.

Our Democracy is working. In spite of everything. Jai Hind.

It’s quite like our good old Ambassador car. I bet everybody has either owned one or used one or at least traveled in one. Doesn’t matter if it’s of English vintage. It doesn’t matter if the engine is Japanese. It doesn’t matter if it’s windshield is American. And wipers are French, the horn-German, and tyres-Indian.

It runs. It carries a whole bunch of well-fed people. Even if it breaks down, any roadside mechanic can fix it. Even you, yourself can fix it, if the problem is minor. It is sturdy, hardy and tough. You can’t expect it to win rallies or Formula one. But it can get you from point A to point B, in its own time. And in its own inimitable way.

Its cheap to run and to maintain. And even if you hock it, there are people willing to buy. Our politicians know how similar it is to our democracy. Perhaps that’s why it will always remain their favourite car.

Even if more expensive, fancier, sleeker and faster models appear, the good old Amby need not worry. With the roads we have, and the loads we haul, Amby will be around for a long time to come.

So as long as I live, my finger will always be for democracy! My vote, I mean!

I wouldn’t want anything else!