The 2003 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service

RESPONSE of James Michael Lyngdoh
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies
31 August 2003, Manila, Philippines

Your Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, distinguished guests, fellow awardees, ladies and gentlemen.

Managing elections in multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic India, the largest democracy in the world with an electorate of 650 million, can never be easy. We are today witnessing a factious polity emerging after a prolonged one-party dominance where the very basic liberal and secular ethos of the country is being challenged. The incorporation of the underprivileged into the democratic process and the devolution of democracy to local bodies and villages has set in motion a heady sense of empowerment coupled with the illusion that resources are unlimited, leading to a complete dissolution of responsibility and an exercise of authority for no other reason than to loot and plunder for personal benefit. Increasing criminalization and religious and sectarian issues have overtaken sensible and reasoned politics. The common man has become the victim of manipulation, malfeasance and the injustice of politicians.

The Election Commission remains constantly at its wits’ end to neutralize all those who are inimical to the cause of good elections. We in the Commission today, fortunately, enjoy the highest public trust in the country – a trust established over a period of sustained effort and struggle. Our independence is well established and accepted. This recognition being given today reinforces our institution’s credibility even more.

The achievements of the Commission in the Jammu-Kashmir and Gujarat elections would have been incomplete without the sustained support from the people of the country. That our actions in Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat could instill a sense of security and build the faith of an average elector in the democratic process is very satisfying. But, the real heroes are the voters of these two states who reposed abiding faith in the democratic process. They have to be acknowledged today.

There is also the Indian middle class now raising a collective voice for fairness. Their voice is being heard in the form of public interest litigations and through non-governmental organizations. It is their voice that now forces the candidates standing in the elections to declare their assets and credentials, including their criminal past. And this is making a difference in the Indian electoral scenario.

The maturity of the media, particularly the Indian electronic media, was very visible in the two elections. Their aggressive, pervasive and intrusive presence made every level of election authority subject to immediate scrutiny. Because of this, the media helped to create an environment where transgressions became visible and, therefore, difficult to suppress. They were able to not only reflect the expectations and sentiments of the people but also to make a significant contribution by their persistence to pursue the truth.

India has established its democratic credentials, but is still far from being perfect. We have very many unfinished tasks. I am grateful to all those who have stood by us and continue to support us in our endeavours.

It is an honour for me to receive the 2003 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. I accept this Award with the greatest humility and utmost gratitude. I thank the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation for bestowing this honour on me.

Thank you all.