Signposts of democracy« Thread Started on Jul 15, 2007, 9:19pm » --------------------------------------------------------------------------------read at source> http://www.livemint.com/2007/07/1600085 ... erstanding India’s democracy is tough. Describing it is even tougher. Like most things Indian—a soothing Ayurvedic massage, piping hot parathas and bhurji at a roadside dhaba—it is best simply experienced. Often these experiences offer themselves as unexpected vignettes that pop into our everyday lives, like the aunt who drops in for evening tea. But if anyone were to seek out a democracy “tour” in India, I would suggest a long ride on our city roads—not just the main arteries, but also the side streets and the galis that branch off like the veins on a leaf. Our city roads are lined with signposts to our democracy.Start with those who occupy these roads. Cycle rickshaw holding up the chauffeur-driven Mercedes, overloaded Maruti challenging an overbearing city bus, paanwala and bicycle mechanic parked permanently on the pavement. Flower-seller, milk booth, cobbler, hopping schoolchildren. All jostling each other in a display of democratic interdependence, with space being made for everyone. The physical architecture of our roads are also motifs of our public governance systems.