“Democracy promotes dignity and freedom of the people”. Examine the statement.

Democracy stands much superior to any other form of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.

1. Democracy in India has strengthened the claims of the disadvantaged and discriminated castes for equal status and equal opportunity.
   
2. Long struggles by women have created some sensitivity today that respect to and equal treatment of women are necessary ingredients of a democratic society. With democracy being recognized, it becomes easier for women to wage a struggle against what is now unacceptable legally and morally.
   
3. The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of democracy: it shows that people have developed awareness and the ability to expect and to look critically at power holders and the high and the mighty.
   
4. A public expression of dissatisfaction with democracy shows the success of the democratic project: it transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen. Most individuals today believe that their vote makes a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self-interest.
   
5. Every individual wants to receive respect from fellow beings. Often, conflicts arise among individuals because some feel that they are not treated with due respect. The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy.