Democratic values and the practice of citizenship

The word 'lok-shahi (democracy or popular government) is used to denote the management the people themselves of their own affairs. There are other words in common use, in connection with this popular government-'lok-satta', 'lok-tantra and lok niti'. The meaning of the word 'satta' is much the same as that of the English word 'authority. Autho rity is not the same thing as power. Power connotes compulsion; it implies a considerable element of submission and passive obedience. Authority, on the other hand, implies a certain element of willing obe dience, respect and faith. There is another sense in which the word 'satta is used. It means 'effective existence', fundamental being'-in other words, a status of honour, a respected position in life. 'Lok satta', the authority of the people, is resent where there is a feeling for the ordinary citizen's existence, and where his status in society is equal to that of anyone else. Thus the real meaning of the word "satta' is not simply the power to enforce a com mand, but a state of affairs where the people mutually respect one another and where each is anxious to safeguard the honour and status of his fellow-citizen.