Reply to a question on the Manifesto

[Sanjeev Sabhlok <sabhlok@almaak.usc.edu>]

Hi,

A discussant on the list had a question about what is this manifesto thing
we talk about, etc. This is what I wrote to him. I think some others, not
quite familiar with what is going on, might also be interested in this:

Recap on the Manifesto/ Agenda:  
=============================== 
The idea, very briefly (!), is to prepare a Manifesto as if one were to
have an ideal political party for India. The dreams, aspirations and
understanding of educated Indians need to be reflected in some format.
That is the idea. The manifesto will be supported by an Agenda, a detailed
document on how the goals can be achieved. 

Once this task is completed, we should try to publish this document as an
academic document for people of India to look into and debate. Any
political group that wishes to adopt points from this Manifesto would be
most welcome to (that will be a sign of our success, in fact!). 

Time only will tell how far we succeed in presenting a document that is
modern, capable of removing the ills of Indian society and bringing about
the dreamland which we would like our children to live in. 

Next questions asked:
---------------------
A few more brief questions about the manifesto:  Will this manifesto be
signed by some individuals?  If so who? And will the contributors to the
document (if such a document indeed takes shape) be acknowledged? 

My reply:
---------
a) The document, if and when finalized, can be signed by whoever thinks
that it represents his/ her views. It will be a purely academic document,
intended to promote further debate and dissemination of these ideas into
the corners of the nation. We cannot expect a country steeped in
illiteracy, hero-worship of politicians, etc., to understand these ideas
easily. 

b) I don't think we would like to acknowledge contributors separately from
those who sign the document. For example, Mitali is a contributor, but she
left the list without letting us know why. There are many others on this
list who are happy to watch the discussions or contribute once in a while. 
They all should have the option (not the obligation) of "signing" the
final document even if they did not actively contribute. Anyone else
outside the list too, who agrees with the final document, should have the
option to sign it. 

The "final" document in any case, will mark only the beginning of fresh
debate. Hence it will need alteration from time to time, till most Indians
feel they can sign on it voluntarily. That is only how the country will
change; not by a few of us "deciding" what is good for India.

Hope that helps. Alternative ideas on this or any other topic are of
course always appreciated. 

Sanjeev