[rti4empowerment] How to celebrate Independance Days

We will shortly be celeberating Independence Day (on Aug 15). This is the most important national day since we got authority for self rule through democratic functioning on this day, 63 yrs ago, from British rulers, after many sacrifices. We generally waste this day by reviewing our physical achievements and failures only. We do not review if the self rule we sought and got on this day is yielding good results as per our expectations and if not what ails it. Self rule is achieved by our electing our representatives to various democratic institutions of governance and relying on them to work for our benefits. Hence, our review on this day should actually limit to review of performance of our various democratic institutions and our elected representatives. Why is it that our self rule has led to far more corruption and injustice than under the former British rule. We should take solemn oath on this day to the effect that we shall play our role for ensuring good self rule by ensuring that (1) we and all our near and dear ones do exercise their right to vote at elections, (2) before voting, we assess the suitability of contesting candidates by reviewing their and their party's income, assets and crime records and then make up our mind as to whom to vote. To enable voters to assess candidates background, the candidates should be required to give the required abstract information in the form of pamphlets where reference to website links where full details could be found should also be given. The candidates pamphlets giving slogans only must be ignored and discouraged.