As a political cartoonist with 35 years of experience, I have seen various governments come and go. Despite the challenges, I believe the future of India is bright. Our diversity might slow us down, and as a democracy, our progress may seem gradual. However, we will move in the right direction, slowly but steadily.
In my lifetime, three different majority governments have come to power in India. I was too young to understand the first one. The second one came to power when I was in school, and I remember some of it. The third one significantly impacted my understanding of politics. It was the first such government in my cartooning career that came to power with an absolute majority. It made me realise how detrimental a strong government can be for democracy. Such a regime often uses its power to trample on citizens' rights and undermine democratic institutions, edging towards authoritarianism.
Authoritarian regimes, when they fail to deliver on their promises, often use diversion tactics. These tactics keep citizens distracted and prevent them from uniting against the rulers.
For this special edition, I chose to illustrate that the future of India lies in democracy, not authoritarianism. An India that believes in love and harmony, a modern and progressive country with a scientific temperament. I envision a future that values peace and embraces diversity, where everyone can thrive together.
Our journey may be challenging, but our collective spirit and democratic foundation will guide us. As we navigate these times, it is essential to hold on to the principles of inclusivity and progress. The future of India lies in our hands, and with determination, we will build a nation that embodies love, harmony, and scientific advancement.
Manjul has been a political cartoonist for the past 35 years. In 2009, he won the first prize at the Maya Kamath Memorial Awards for Excellence in Cartooning | INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @MANJULTOONS