Lifestyle of living

[09/01, 8:38 PM] Muhammad Naeem: Freedom of the Press Introduction It has been said that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. The institution that maintains that vigil is the press or the media. In other words, if the people are to be free, it is the job of the media to ensure that it keeps a watch on those in power in whose hands the freedom lies. In order to do so, press that is free of any outside influences or influencers is absolutely vital. Importance of Freedom of Press The press has a responsibility to act as check and balance for the administration and the government. It is the press that raises its voice against social ills, malpractices, corruption and oppression. It is also the press that gathers, verifies and distributes events, facts and information that allow the people of a country to make sound judgments. However, none of this is possible if the press itself is silenced or if its voice is only allowed when those in power permit. The information that comes from the press at such a time becomes suspect. Worse yet, the press may not be allowed to report news or express opinions that run contrary to what the people in power want. This means a citizenry that is woefully uninformed and, therefore, powerless. This is not mere speculation. Time and time again, recent history has proven that censorship of the press is one of the most common features of a dictatorship. The censorship may not even be direct or obvious at first. A government may often start by discrediting the news media and what is being reported. It may stridently reinforce the notion that the media cannot be trusted by undermining the news and facts that media presents to the public. This is when the media begins to exercise self-censorship to avoid outrage manufactured by the government. As time passes, this self-censorship may become more ingrained or such distrust for the news media may develop among the people that they call for the government to intervene. Of course, once the media is muzzled, there is no one to report truths. In the absence of those truths, the citizenry has no power to affect the necessary changes and the government reigns supreme.ConclusionNo right is absolute. This is true even for the right to freedom of speech or expression. However, the right does exist and as long as it does, the power lies in the hands of the people. Since the freedom of the press also falls under this right, it is clear that the press is the tool that indirectly protects all other rights that a people may enjoy. Curbing the freedom of the press is, thus, curbing the freedom of the people. [09/01, 8:39 PM] Muhammad Naeem: Unity in Diversity Introduction India is a country proving the fact of unity in diversity. People of various religions and castes have managed to live together for many years without any problem. India is decorated by the high mountains, valleys, oceans, famous rivers, streams, forests, deserts, ancient culture and tradition, and most importantly unity in diversity. People here belong to their own race, religion and language however they all have similar characteristic of humanity which makes them able to live together. Following are the importance of unity in diversity: Importance of Unity in Diversity: Unity in diversity boosts morale of people at workplace, organization, and community. It helps in enhancing esprit de corps, relationships, teamwork among people thus improve performance, quality of work, productivity and lifestyle. It makes communication effective even in bad situation. Keeps people away from social problems and help to manage conflicts easily. Improves healthy human relations and protects equal human rights for all. Unity in diversity in India provides source of tourism. People of diverse cultures, traditions, cuisines, religions and clothing attract more visitors and tourists from all across the world. It gives rise the habit of national integration among people of the country even after being diverse in various ways. It gives value to the rich heritages of country as well as strengthens and enriches the cultural heritage of India. It helps to be rich in agricultural area through different crops and thus economy growth. Source of skilled and advance professionals in various areas to the country. There may be some disadvantages too which are mentioned below: It may give rise to the various social tensions among people of different states and linguistic origin. It gives rise to the growth of corruption and illiteracy in many areas of the country. It may be the reason of poor lifestyle in various rural regions because of underdeveloped infrastructures, lack of electricity, roads, etc. [09/01, 8:40 PM] Muhammad Naeem: Democracy vs. Dictatorship Introduction Democracy is a type of government in which eligible citizens have the right to elect representative to form a government body. It involves citizens directly by giving them voice in legislation. Dictatorship on the other hand is the form of government where all the power is placed in the hands of one person that is the dictator. Democracy and dictatorship have emerged as the two major forms of government across the world since the beginning of 19th and 20th centuries. What is Democratic Form of Government? Democracy is the government elected by majority of the people. It generates the citizens’ interest in the country’s politics by giving them the right to elect the members of the government. It is important in democratic system that the citizens of the country participate and are aware of the social issues and their right to vote. There should be a sense of responsibility in people. The elections should be monitored impartially to ensure system integrity. Characteristics of Democracy Some characteristics of democracy are legal equality, rule of law and political freedom. Democracy runs with the principle of majority rule. Under democracy all eligible citizens have equal access to legislative processes and are equal before law. Vote by every eligible citizen is valuable and has equal weight. The rights and liberties of the citizens are protected by the constitution. Democracy protects human rights by co-operation and coordination. It offers diversity to represent all the communities. Equality lies at the heart of democracy. What is Dictatorship Form of Government? In dictatorship the absolute power is with the dictator. Dictator is the political leader who holds extraordinary power and exercises his power for self interest. In dictatorship, the ruler is the one who acts for the whole Nation. Characteristics of Dictatorship Dictatorship is characterized by some chief features such as civil liberties, suspension of elections, rule by decree, proclamation of state of emergency and repression of political opponents without acting in accord to the rule of law. The most common feature attributed to dictators is to take advantage of their position, usually by restraining the freedom of speech of the people citizens. It is done in order to maintain social and political supremacy. People have no right to voice their thoughts on the way they are governed. There are no elections held and people have no right to choose their leaders. In dictatorship, the law making body is a single person that is the dictator. So, the law enforcement may become brutal at times. In such type of government, there is little regard for the rights of people. Conclusion In democratic form of government people enjoy great deal of liberty. The power is with masses. They can choose the government and they can change the government. Every eligible citizen has equal rights and freedom of self-expression. In dictatorship, there is the rule of a dictator. People have no right to elect their leaders and have to follow the laws and rules of the dictator. Thus, democracy is the best form of government that leads to the development of people and society as the rights and liberties of the citizens are highly respected.