Brief Overview
In today’s rapidly changing world, democracy—a system once celebrated as the epitome of governance—is increasingly becoming a mere numbers game. The rise of majoritarianism, where the majority’s will overshadows the rights and voices of minorities, has transformed democracy into a zero-sum game. This phenomenon is evident not only in political institutions but also in the cultural bedrocks that have long supported democratic values: films, cricket, and science. These institutions, which once served as the storytelling pillars of democracy, are now reflecting the growing disarray within our political systems.
Cinema, once a powerful medium for exploring and celebrating the complexities of democracy, has seen a significant shift in recent years. Bollywood, which historically provided a platform for diverse narratives, is now increasingly driven by corporate interests and majoritarian narratives. Similarly, cricket, which has long been a metaphor for democracy’s spirit of fairness and collective effort, has been co-opted by corporate interests, losing much of its moral and ethical foundation. Science, once seen as a cornerstone of democratic societies, is also facing a crisis. The rise of technocracy and the corporatization of research have distanced science from the common man, eroding the democratic temper that once characterized the field.
This erosion of democratic values in films, cricket, and science is symptomatic of a broader crisis within democracy itself. As majoritarianism continues to tighten its grip, the pluralism and inclusiveness that once defined our society are being undermined. To preserve and rejuvenate democracy, we must look beyond the numbers game and focus on revitalizing the cultural narratives that sustain it.
The Erosion of Cultural Narratives in Films
Historically, cinema has served as a powerful mirror to society, reflecting its values, struggles, and aspirations. Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has been instrumental in reinforcing the ideals of democracy by providing narratives that resonate with the diverse experiences of its audience. In the golden age of Bollywood, directors like Satyajit Ray, Raj Kapoor, and Guru Dutt created films that explored the complexities of democracy, making it accessible and relatable to the masses. These films did not just entertain; they engaged with the socio-political issues of the time, offering critiques and celebrations of democracy in equal measure.
However, in recent years, the cinematic landscape has undergone a significant transformation. The Bollywood of today is increasingly influenced by corporate interests, where box office success often takes precedence over artistic expression and social commentary. This shift has led to a narrowing of narratives, with films increasingly catering to the dominant majority, sidelining the diverse voices that once defined Indian cinema. The nuanced portrayal of democratic ideals—such as inclusiveness, pluralism, and the celebration of diversity—has been replaced by more simplistic and often polarized narratives. This trend is particularly concerning given the rise of majoritarianism in Indian politics, where the suppression of dissenting voices is becoming more commonplace.
In the past decade, the role of cinema as a medium for democratic expression has been further challenged by the rise of digital platforms and streaming services. While these platforms have democratized content creation and distribution to some extent, they have also led to the fragmentation of audiences. The once-unifying experience of going to the cinema has been replaced by individualized viewing experiences, which, while offering greater choice, have also contributed to the erosion of shared cultural narratives. Moreover, the algorithms that drive content recommendations on these platforms often reinforce existing biases, further polarizing audiences and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
Cricket: From a Moral Fable to Corporate Spectacle
Cricket has long been more than just a sport in India; it has been a reflection of the country’s democratic values. The game, with its emphasis on fairness, teamwork, and respect for the rules, has often been seen as a metaphor for the democratic process. Legends like Lala Amarnath, Eknath Solkar, and Kapil Dev were not just cricketers; they were symbols of the democratic spirit—ordinary individuals who rose to greatness through merit, hard work, and perseverance. The stories of these cricketing heroes were moral fables that resonated with a nation striving to uphold democratic ideals.
Yet, in the modern era, cricket has undergone a profound transformation. The advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 marked a turning point in the commercialization of the sport. While the IPL has undoubtedly brought financial prosperity and global recognition to Indian cricket, it has also led to the corporatization of the game. The focus has shifted from the ethical and moral lessons that cricket once imparted to the pursuit of profit and entertainment value. The game’s transformation into a lucrative business venture has overshadowed its role as a metaphor for democracy. The IPL, with its flashy auctions, celebrity endorsements, and high-stakes matches, epitomizes the commercialization of cricket, where the values of fairness, merit, and collective effort are often secondary to the pursuit of financial gain.
This shift has also had a broader impact on the culture of cricket in India. The rise of corporate sponsorships and endorsements has led to the increasing commodification of cricketing heroes, who are now seen more as brand ambassadors than as symbols of democratic ideals. The emphasis on individual star power and marketability has overshadowed the team spirit and collective effort that once defined the game. Moreover, the IPL’s format, with its focus on fast-paced, high-scoring matches, has led to a decline in the appreciation for the traditional skills and strategies that were once central to the sport. This transformation of cricket from a moral fable to a corporate spectacle reflects the broader erosion of democratic values in Indian society.
Science and the Lost Democratic Temper
Science has long been seen as a cornerstone of democratic societies, with its emphasis on rationality, inquiry, and evidence-based decision-making. In the post-independence era, India embraced science as a means to empower its citizens and build a modern nation. The scientific temper, as articulated by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, was seen as integral to the democratic process—an antidote to superstition and ignorance, and a foundation for progress and social justice.
However, in recent years, the relationship between science and democracy has become increasingly fraught. The rise of technocracy, where decision-making is driven by experts and technocrats rather than by democratic deliberation, has led to the alienation of science from the common man. The pursuit of knowledge for the public good has been replaced by a focus on profit-driven research, often conducted in collaboration with corporate interests. This shift has eroded the democratic temper that once characterized Indian science, making it increasingly exclusive and elitist.
One of the most concerning trends in this regard is the growing influence of corporate funding on scientific research. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of research projects funded by private corporations, particularly in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. While corporate funding has undoubtedly contributed to scientific advancements, it has also led to concerns about the independence and integrity of scientific research. The focus on profit-driven research has led to the prioritization of certain areas of study over others, often at the expense of research that is more socially relevant but less commercially viable. This trend has also contributed to the increasing inaccessibility of scientific knowledge, as research findings are often published in expensive journals that are out of reach for the general public.
Moreover, the rise of technocracy has led to the increasing exclusion of ordinary citizens from scientific decision-making processes. While science was once seen as a democratic endeavor, where anyone with curiosity and determination could contribute, it has become increasingly specialized and inaccessible. The language and methods of science have become more complex, making it difficult for non-experts to engage with scientific issues. This exclusion has contributed to a growing distrust of science among the general public, as people feel alienated from the scientific community and its decision-making processes.
The Deafening Silence of a Noisy Nation
Amidst these cultural shifts, the silence of meaningful discourse is deafening. Democracy, which should be a vibrant, participatory process, has become a spectacle—a performance where the majority’s voice drowns out all others. The storyteller, who once provided the poetry and myths that gave democracy its meaning, is missing. In his absence, Independence Day celebrations, once a time for reflection and collective memory, have become hollow rituals devoid of genuine emotion.
The erosion of these cultural pillars—films, cricket, and science—reflects a deeper crisis within democracy itself. As majoritarianism tightens its grip, the pluralism that once defined our society is slipping away. The stories that once united us are being replaced by narratives that divide, and the rich tapestry of democratic life is being unraveled thread by thread.
This silence is particularly troubling in the context of the rise of digital media, where the noise of constant information often drowns out meaningful discourse. The proliferation of social media platforms has led to the creation of echo chambers, where people are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. This has contributed to the polarization of society, where different groups increasingly live in separate realities, unable to engage in constructive dialogue. The algorithms that drive social media platforms prioritize sensationalism and outrage over nuance and reasoned debate, further exacerbating the problem.
Reviving the Democratic Spirit
To restore democracy to its former glory, we must look beyond the numbers game and focus on rebuilding the cultural narratives that once sustained it. This involves not just a political overhaul but a cultural renaissance—a revival of the stories, values, and ideals that made democracy meaningful in the first place.
In the realm of cinema, this means encouraging filmmakers to explore diverse narratives that reflect the complexities of Indian society. Filmmakers must be given the freedom to create without fear of censorship or commercial pressure, allowing them to produce films that challenge the status quo and offer new perspectives on democratic life. Independent cinema, which has historically been a space for experimentation and innovation, should be supported and promoted, providing a platform for voices that are often marginalized in mainstream cinema.
In cricket, this means reclaiming the sport from corporate interests and restoring its role as a moral and ethical force. This could involve promoting grassroots cricket, where the values of fairness, teamwork, and respect for the rules are still upheld, and providing greater support for the development of young cricketers from diverse backgrounds. The focus should be on nurturing talent and promoting the spirit of the game, rather than on maximizing profits and entertainment value.
In science, this means democratizing the field by making it more accessible and inclusive. This could involve promoting science education at all levels, encouraging public engagement with scientific issues, and ensuring that scientific research is conducted in the public interest. The scientific community must also work to rebuild trust with the general public, by being transparent about its processes and decision-making, and by engaging in open and honest communication about the challenges and limitations of science.
Ultimately, reviving the democratic spirit requires a collective effort from all members of society. It involves not just a commitment to the principles of democracy, but also a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, to listen to diverse perspectives, and to work together to build a more inclusive and just society. Only by doing so can we hope to preserve the soul of democracy and ensure its continued relevance in the modern world.
Conclusion
The crisis facing democracy today is not just a political one; it is a cultural one. As films, cricket, and science reflect the growing disarray within our political systems, they also offer a glimpse of what is at stake. The erosion of democratic values in these cultural institutions is a warning sign of a broader crisis within democracy itself. To preserve and rejuvenate democracy, we must look beyond the numbers game and focus on revitalizing the cultural narratives that sustain it. Only by doing so can we hope to restore democracy to its former glory and ensure its continued relevance in the modern world.
Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.
