Over 50 years ago, freedom fighters led by Gandhi fought and gave their lives for freeing India from the shackles of colonial rule. The Colonial Ghost however still haunts us. Centralisation, non-transparency and an overbearing state bureaucracy, the hallmarks of colonialism, are the pillars of our supposedly democratic Constitution. We truly are not a democracy but a mixed-up colonial self-rule.

This has led to too much government, inspector raj, corruption, wastage of resources, heavy overheads, misuse of authority, little accountability and irresponsible politics. It has perpetuated demeaning poverty, illiteracy and human rights violations and led to destruction of the environment, increase in crime and financial mismanagement. It has set the nation on a self-destructive course.

The Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation and People First, have jointly launched a nation wide Satyagraha for reforms.The Satyagraha condemns all demeaning colonial institutions and practices and demands an independent commission, Paramadhikar Ayog (Sovereign Rights Commission), with authority to direct referendums. This will establish a legitimate, non-violent process, enabling the common people, if they so choose, to institute a true 

democracy in which power flows upwards from the people, as advocated by Gandhi and practised in the best democracies of the world. They can also adopt the special features advocated by Gandhi, based on Indian ethos and values, for containing consumption and promoting social justice and equity. These have become vital for global sustainability.

The first Satyagraha was launched in Delhi on January 15, 1999. Over 600 village and slum leaders , students, professionals, dedicated NGOs and concerned citizens assembled at Jantar Mantar and marched along Parliament street demanding that an independent commission with the authority to direct referendums be instituted to enable reforms through the will of the people. A street play "Upniveshi Bhoot Amar Nahi Hai", conceived by People First and produced by the famous theatre "Akshara", was enacted. A synopsis of the play is given in the box. The Satyagraha invited wide public and political attention. A number of political leaders, representing all major parties, are in favour of such reforms. The effort of the Satyagraha is to create wide public and political awareness and acceptance for the reforms and, if need be, seek judicial intervention. The Satyagraha and other initiatives will continue and will be intensified until the reforms are realised and responsible governance instituted in the country. q