Re: NRI's and Politics

Democracies thrive only with public participation. We need more and
more citizens to be involved in these democratic processes. Of course
we also want people to be well aware of the goings-on, and be well
"educated" to decide on matters that are most important to them as
well as for the over all benefit of the society.

Having said that, it is only inevitable for these people to align their
interests with some philosophies out there, and be a part of a group
which satisfies their needs for alliance. Some such groups are
political parties!

Political parties do need more and more people to subscribe to their
philosophies and leadership. This is a two way street. In my mind, the
broader these streets are and the easier it is to travel on these
streets, the better we are as a democratic society.

An offshoot of this argument will naturally lead to formation of wings
in distant lands. These wings can bring together people of similar
interests, albeit political, and promote their interests and agendas.
Just like GWTCS does for all of us in taking care of our cultural
needs/interests.

As Mahesh pointed out, if the purpose of such wings/cells is to only
gather donations, it is short sighted. Every party should strive to
develop thriving communities of their sympathizers, and this process
has to be a win-win for both the sides. Political parties are nothing
but their members and if the members want to support their party
financially, they are only supporting themselves, and in pursuing their
interests. I do not see anything wrong in that. In fact financial
support from members should be encouraged maintaining the transparency
to keep the democratic systems less corrupt!

Regards,
Chandu