Democratic communication faces test

Paradoxically, despite the heights reached by communication techniques all over the world, the case of a 23-year-old woman’s gang rape in Delhi has exposed the gap that exists as far as democratic communication is concerned.
Definitely, was it not for the media coverage given to the case, the Indian public would have probably remained unaware about it. Moreover, the coverage has not been confined to a line or two. The news has dominated headlines for a considerable span of time. Equally important is response of the citizens to this coverage. They have responded by taking to the streets and demonstrating against those assumed to be “responsible” for the gang rape. And thanks to the media coverage, practically the entire world has become aware of the gang rape and the reaction of the people against it.
At one level, the citizens’ reaction is suggestive of the importance democratic values hold in India, the second largest democratic nation in the world. Notwithstanding the fact that the government turned the capital city into almost a fortress, confining demonstrations to a few points, the fact that citizens’ voice was not snubbed rudely, cannot be missed.
Besides, were India Gate and certain places not being readied for the country’s Republic Day parade (Jan. 26), the capital city may not have been turned into a fortress and demonstrations may have been permitted in other areas too. The key point here is, thanks to their democratic spirit, Indian citizens have succeeded to a degree in making themselves heard and made politicians concerned as well as the authorities consider action to check such abuses of women.
Citizens have partially succeeded, for now it is for the Indian judiciary to decide and act on the punishment that should be given to such criminals. It is for the government to deliberate on whether stricter anti-rape laws are needed or not.
At the face of it, one gets the impression as if the democratic chain in this country is fairly strong and well-linked, creating needed political pressure in keeping with demand of the Indian public.
But then there is yet another side of Indian democracy that cannot be sidelined. Were it not for the media coverage, would the citizens have learned about the incident? Probably not. Had the media coverage not remained continuous and substantial, would the authorities concerned, including politicians, have moved into taking action? Most probably not. Herein lies a major communication gap in the Indian democracy, between the authorities and the public.
The year 2012 was marked by 635 reported rape cases in Delhi, which amounts to more than 50 per month. It is believed that fear of social harassment, legal hassles and the “shame” linked with being raped leads to only one in 50 cases being reported by victims to the police. It is not without reason that Delhi is also known as the “rape capital.”
Had each case actually been reported, figures would have been 80 cases per day. And this raises the question, why have all these cases not been pursued actively by media, citizens as well as the politicians and concerned authorities? What has prevented the democratic chain being as strong and well-linked as it has appeared to be in the case of the late 23-year-old? Even this case may have been confined to statistics and buried in the government files, had a section of society not decided to raise its voice regarding it. Here, it may be noted that not all the protesters participated in demonstrations primarily and only out of concern for the 23-year-old were victimized.
A few women protesters have claimed to have been hassled by several males, who the former believe were there not to demonstrate but to exploit the occasion for “fun.” Doesn’t this sound disgusting?
Besides, there is no doubt that several political factions have tried to exploit the issue out of their own political interest, with little or no concern for the crime, described as rape. And this serves as a pointer to the hard fact that demonstrations can also serve as a weak link in the Indian democracy. Their value can be confined to being a cosmetic show for interested politicians and others keen for the media coverage. From this angle, at most demonstrations can provoke public consciousness, create political pressure and also earn the media coverage, but may have only a limited value. Only a percent of those who become aware about the issue, demonstrate genuinely regarding the same. Very few, at times practically none consider taking any action beyond demonstrations. In roughly a few days time, the same issue is reduced to the status of being confined to history and statistics.
Yes, a three-member jurists’ committee has been constituted to look into possible amendments for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals, accused of committing sexual assaults of extreme nature against women.
At present, it seems that concerned citizens have moved beyond demonstrations to signing petitions and letters demanding strict punishment for rapists, which they expect will be paid adequate attention by the judicial committee. Expectations have been raised in response to voice raised democratically by millions across the country. Yet, there is no guarantee whether these expectations will actually ever spell the end of barbaric crimes to which millions are being subjected to throughout the world. And this reflects a major communication gap that prevails in India. Every time that a girl falls victim, millions don’t raise their voice in demand for support she needs and the punishment that must be meted out to criminals. It is hoped that at least a few of those lighting candles in memory of the victimwill also take time out to pursue cases of the victims who have been brave enough to file reports against their having been raped.
So far, democratic communication has failed to pay adequate attention to agony faced by majority of the rape victims in India’s capital city. Ironically, the conscientious Indian citizens by demonstrating in support of one lady have also put democratic communication in this country to a strong litmus test. It is to be watched whether this democratic communication helps other victims secure justice or not.

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