As the temperature rises in the proximity of election, use of intemperate language by leaders of political parties also rises, which is vitiating the appropriate atmosphere to be maintained in a democracy. Therefore, it has become necessary to remind one and all participating in election propaganda about words of wisdom incorporated in the following Samskrit verses:
okXnaMks·Fk euksnaM% dk;naMLrFkSo p A
;L;Srs fufgrk cq)kS f=naMhfr l mP;rs
f=naMesrfuf{kI; loZHkwrs”kq ekuo%
dkeØks/kkS rq la;E; rr% flf)a fu;PNfr AA
“A person who has cultivated and made his own the quality of exercising control over his mind, speech and actions [verbal or physical] is called Tridandin i.e., a man having three controls.”
A person who has established the above three controls, and keeps control over anger and greed in respect of his dealings with all the living beings, is sure to secure complete success in life [Manu Smriti 12-10-11].
For the success of democracy, there has to be criticism by the Opposition against the ruling party and vice-versa. But in making criticism they should do so in such a manner that mutual honour and respect which is absolutely essential among the politicians in a democracy must not be undermined and they should not foul the atmosphere.
For exercising that right also, there is one more advise in Subhashita [words of wisdom] which is also worthy to be followed:
fiz;okD;iznkusu losZ rq”;afr taro%A
rLekÙknso oäO;a opus dk nfjnzrkAA
By using polite language, not only the fellow human beings but all living beings feel happy. As there is no famine or scarcity for good and pleasing words, in dealings with fellow human beings or living beings, one should always use polite language”
Therefore, every citizen as also the elected representatives of the people in their daily transaction or dialogue with fellow politicians or speeches, must therefore use polite language and should never use abusive language. In this manner, they have to exercise control which is very essential. That is why it is called as self imposed discipline. This fundamental quality is required to be practiced in day to day affairs by every person to consider himself as a democrat. Mahatma Gandhi in his book My Picture of Free India has cautioned that the first quality to be learnt by a democrat is discipline. This is the most important advice to be followed by all.
It is better that political personalities/activists bear in mind the words of wisdom incorporated in the above verses while making speeches or in their writings.
—Justice Dr M Rama Jois
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