FOR FAIR ELECTIONS AND FAIRER RESULTS AND EVEN FAIRER EFFECTS OF THE ELECTION RESULTS IN THE LONG RUN; WE NEED NAMASMARAN!

1. NAMASMARAN
AND
ELECTIONS
DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR

2. Student: Sir, elections are declared and the various ‘transactions’ of
election of peoples’ representatives have begun. What is your
comment on this?
Teacher: Elections; is a part of democracy. It enables us to decide
our representatives, who in turn would make decisions for us.
Student: But is it not disheartening to see the colossal wastage of
money on misguiding propaganda? Is it not painful to witness brazen
use of caste factors, money, muscle power and several crimes?
Teacher: Obviously it is disheartening and painful for a
conscientious and sensitive individual.
Student: What to do?
Teacher: We have to understand it through introspection. If I am
asked to make a decision in a court of law; when I am sleeping or
when I am intoxicated, then what would I do? Or; if I am an
innocent and gullible child and am asked to make judgment, then
what would I do?
Student: You won’t be able to do it properly!
Teacher: Very true! Same holds true for us as a group or a society.
Student: What exactly do you mean?
Teacher: If we are not in a process of growing from within, then our
judgment remains disoriented, confused, biased, prejudiced,

3. subjective, gullible etc. We may get motivated by helplessness or by
vested interests. In such a situation; we are likely to go wrong; for
ourselves and for others!
Student: Do you think the society is like a child or an intoxicated
person?
Teacher: All of us, who are not involved in a process of self
realization through some means such as NAMASMARAN; are
vulnerable to commit a mistake or a blunder or even a crime.
Student: But elections are deified! Increase in voting percentage is
considered to be a panacea! It is said to be a cure for every evil in the
society!
Teacher: It is certainly better if more people are involved in voting.
The peoples’ representatives would be representing a larger portion
of the society. The representation would be more realistic. But;
though most of us, the voters and the candidates, whether genuinely
or otherwise; feel that increasing percentage of voting; is a panacea
for the cure of all evils; we are wrong!
Elections are actually the means; amongst other means and qualities;
such as honesty, responsibility, accountability, punctuality,
creativity, study, analysis, experimentation, research, industry,
agriculture, craft, business, art, literature, sports, rituals, festivals,
conventions, prayers, and individual and social protests; evolved

4. during the development of human civilization. Elections like other
means; are meant for ushering in; the ambience that would be
conducive to individual and global blossoming. They are not the
end in themselves.
In as much as it is true that elections are important means, it is more
accurate to say that assuming elections and the democracy as the end
in themselves and neglecting the other means of global blossoming
such as those mentioned above, would be naive and
counterproductive.
Student: From immediate practical point of view, isn’t it true and
important that we vote in maximum number?
Teacher: From immediate practical point of view; also; it is
necessary to get involved in the process of inner growth, the process
of self realization. In fact it is urgent and essential. It is more
important and vital; than anything else! What is the use of voting
when we are in slumber or out of our senses?
Student: But would it not take prolonged time for self realization?
Teacher: Self realization is a continuous process. It is like treading
on a correct path. Hence, first and foremost thing is to come on right
path! This alone; and nothing else; can give assurance of reaching
the destination!

5. Student: So, what is your suggestion?
Teacher: We must get empowered to vote selflessly and bravely and
elect benevolent candidates? Conversely those who seek to be
elected must get empowered; to give selfless and brave governance!
At least conscientious persons like you; should realize that most of
the enlightened visionaries have reiterated time and again that;
NAMASMARAN – the process of self realization is the source of
universally benevolent and empowering inner light; and a basis,
essence and culmination of individual and global blossoming!
Shouldn’t NAMASMARAN be our topmost priority before, during
and after elections?