participatory democracy

The main drawback of the modern system of parliamentary democracy is the inability of the people to influence decision making! Democracy today is the rule of the politician,the bureaucrat and the businessman who are almost corrupt. Their only job is to perpetuate the status-quo and retain power. The masses everywhere are feeling neglected and exploited. It is this discontent which is reflected in popular uprising all over the world!
Ancient cultures laid stress on participation of the masses in decision making. The Greek,Indian and the Islamic cultures gave lot of importance to the individual and his harmonious development. In India,the monarch was a figure head whose sole job was to follow the Dharma. The real power rested with the masses who actively participated in the functioning of the government. Taxes,land issues,family matters and religious matters were all decided by the people. Civil unrest was unknown and people had a sense of belonging.There were periods in India when there was no ruler at the top but the people prospered!
In modern India there have been instances when illiterate or persons with a shady past have succeeded in becoming PM! Competence or character are no longer the criteria but the whims of a few individuals decide the choice of PM!

If democracy is to survive,it has to become transparent and participatory!