About
In Indian Vedic philosophy Mantra is a syllable or sound or a group of words that carry transformational power. In Hindi language Lok Tantra is roughly translated as Democracy. Lok Mantra is the Vedic way of transforming India and Indian democracy and giving it true meaning and purpose for every citizen of the nation. It is also a recognition of the truth that there can be no prosperity based on unscruplous exploitation of nature and earth’s resources. LokMantra combines age old values of Indian civilization and modern innovative ideas to empower the citizens and democracy to forge a new way of life. LokMantra is constructive action in building our society in harmony with nature. Our political mission is defined by the vedic mantra
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः। सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु। मा कश्चित् दुःख भाग्भवेत्॥
May all be happy. May all be healthy. May we all experience what is good. Let there be no suffering.
In Vedic terms, “all” includes all creations. We believe that we cannot be happy, healthy and prosperous while earth is sick, climate is polluted, water is poisoned and all forms of life is under threat. It is important therefore for people to be involved through democractic means in improving their whole eco system. We must do good for all and then a good measure of good shall come to us.
LokMantra is an initiative of Ajay Goyal who experienced Indian democracy
and elections first hand as an independent candidate in 2009 general elections for national parliament.
It was evident from the election process that citizens and electorate did not have a say on real pressing issues of our times. None of the serious issues are brought to discussion at grass roots during the election process. No one talks at the time of elections about climate change and its impact on society, about development at the cost of natural balance or about real causes of crushing poverty and economic divide. As a result the political leadership is detached from real issues and problems and is failing to provide solutions to local issues that are now linked to national as well as global political actions and policies. Lokmantra connects local with global and aims to inform society , provide a platform for real discussion and debate on most pressing issues of our times.
Lokmantra is an effort to bridge the gap between electors and elected on important issues facing individuals and small communities of India that are linked to global issues of environment, climate change and trade. It provides a platform for citizen’s participation in the democratic process of governance from which they are excluded and distant so they may take charge of their lives and make a difference.
When society and individuals are disengaged from the democratic process of governance, progress stalls and corruption flourishes as accountability of politicians lowers. Lokmantra focuses on bringing about greater constructive engagement at all levels in the democratic process so that real and innovative solutions can be implemented without delay when need is great and urgent.
We believe that all of our common problems can be solved through democratic participation. We believe democracy is more than a vote. It is a daily process and it needs nurturing, participating and active rearing. Truly participatory democratic institutions that can bring together politicians and administration on one hand, civil society and general public on the other in a regular constructive dialogue and partnership is the greatest need of the hour. At any given time dozens of initiatives – government, private, NGO driven are underway in India. Their impact can be multiplied manifold if the motivations, experiences, lessons, successes and failures of these initiatives are shared. The government needs to learn and hear rather than dictate.
Contact LokMantra through contact@lokmantra.in
