GUWAHATI, April 29 - �The Indian form of democracy is the best in the world. Democracy is not only a form of government but a way of life. The most auspicious duty of a citizen in a democracy is to exercise his/her franchise. At the same time, urban apathy towards the democratic process is significantly noticeable, despite the educated and enlightened being a greater part of the populace.�
This was observed by Commissioner of Police Hiren Chandra Nath while speaking as the chief guest at the National PR Day celebrations of the Public Relations Society of India, Guwahati Chapter, held in the city on Saturday.
It was attended in large numbers by members of PRSI Guwahati Chapter, PR & corporate communication professionals and practitioners, and students and academicians in the field.
Nath interspersed his speech with diverse perspectives and interesting anecdotes related to the theme of this year�s National PR Day � �Indian Democracy: Mantra for Effective Elections� � based on his rich experience of 22 years as an IPS officer.
Senior journalist Nava Thakuria, who was the guest of honour, said that India was a participatory democracy and citizens had the responsibility to ensure that the government voted to power by them was representative of the majority, which would be possible only if everyone casts his/her vote. He also stressed the need for holding public debates amongst prospective candidates from various political parties with the electorate as an audience so that people could judge the potential of the candidates.
�We should strive to make India the greatest democracy, rather than being the largest,� he said.
BD Sharma, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Govt of Assam, in his address as a special guest spoke on new systems and procedures which have changed the face of Indian elections. He said that 82 per cent voting in the last Assembly elections in Assam was a manifestation of enhanced participation by the electorate.
Earlier, PRSI Guwahati Chapter chairperson Madhuchanda Adhikari welcomed the distinguished guests and presented an outline of PRSI as the apex body of PR professionals in the country, established in 1958. She highlighted the programmes conducted by PRSI Guwahati Chapter and explained the relevance of National PR Day to focus attention on PR function and professionals in India, who have an increasingly important role in the development process in the country.
Seven Sisters, the journal of PRSI Guwahati Chapter, was released on the occasion. Veteran member of the Chapter, poet and winner of the Assam Valley literary Award Sananta Tanti was felicitated on the occasion.
