Achievements
of LOK SATTA
Lessons
Learnt
A key
lesson learnt during the course of the Lok Satta movement is that
informed, collective assertion can bring tangible and visible outcomes
that can influence the entire country, in an imperfect democracy
with imperfect institutions. Key Lok Satta achievements can be attributed
to devising strategies and plans of action that: (i) have been designed
to effect institutional building (ii) enable specific campaigns
and activities to have a non-judgmental and non-strident approach
(iii) have a respect for the political process; because, the real
power to bring transformation lies in the political institutions
(iv) an ability to mobilize public opinion cutting across traditional
barriers in a vast and complex society and (v) an ability to function
'below the radar' and give others credit when deserved; because
high visibility is not always the best indicator of contribution
and progress.
The
experiences and challenges faced by Lok Satta demonstrated that
(i) states, and not the country as a whole, are the real units of
political mobilization (ii) reputed, credible and public-spirited
citizens with proven track-record can together catalyze reform initiatives
(iii) having deep insights into the governance and political process
is a prerequisite and (iv) an agenda that unifies citizens and their
opinions and not divides them, is vital.
In large and complex societies, we cannot always dictate the pace
and direction of change. Civil society, however, can seize opportune
moments and help accelerate the process of reform and give a creative
direction to people's concerns so that tangible, institutional outcomes
become feasible.
Even amongst the educated and intelligent, who were aware of the
problems and were willing to do something about it, the ability
to work collectively was not a strong point. Making people work
together by burying their differences or rather recognizing their
differences and yet working on the core issues on which there is
unanimity, was a great challenge. Lok Satta adopted a totally democratic
way of functioning with common vision and mission and this enabled
it to face that challenge with some degree of success. Lok Satta
office bearers engage in constant interaction, brainstorming, regular
discussion and debate. They have regular formal and informal meetings
where various thoughts are debated and together a consensus is arrived
at what are the best opportunities to be seized.
The challenges faced are ones that any society does encounter when
its people embark upon such a large enterprise. And therefore it
is necessary to consider these problems not as obstacles, but merely
as opportunities to find alternative routes and better strategies.
Lok Satta's and Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan's, in particular, past record
with government enabled Lok Satta to gain a deep insight into the
governance process. Along with a clear understanding of the Indian
political and governance situation, Lok Satta has developed a knowledge
base to enable accurate analysis without adopting a starry-eyed
approach. Despite problems encountered the lessons learnt over the
years supported by steadiness, and an unwavering loyalty to the
ultimate cause has enabled Lok Satta to work effectively towards
governance reforms.
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