“Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.” – Aristotle
According to preamble of resolution of International Day of Democracy, Democracy is defined as ‘a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life’. In other words, Democracy simply is from people, by people and for people; People are its only possible spark and drive!
After the meaning of Democracy has been well understood, one has to embrace it in his or her heart because the heart is the greatest root and motivation of man’s actions. This concept is also in line with what has been taught by Mahatma Gandhi, ‘the spirit of democracy is not a mechanical thing to be adjusted by abolition of forms. It requires change of heart’. Once, Democracy is embraced in the heart, it is then possible for one to effectively influence others to believe in the value of Democracy and desire to its existence in their daily lives.
It is undeniable that every citizen dreams to live in a country where equally free opportunities are not only a vision but a factual realization. In order to realize these opportunities, there is a need for responsibility and mutual respect among one another. Democracy offers elements of freedom opportunities, responsibilities and respect. The ability of each individual to voice out how they prefer to be governed is the central principle of democracy.
In light of this year theme of ‘Strengthening Voices for Democracy’ which aims to emphasize the importance of people’s voices in today’s political, economic, social, environmental, technological and developmental matters, WAY(World Assembly of Youth), feel inspired to combine and integrate the concept of ‘To understand, To embrace and To influence’ as a stimulant in strengthening voices for democracy, especially if it involves young generation.
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