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The rise of Big Brother and the fall of democracy in Manipur
The Statesman Siliguri
|May 12, 2025
George Orwell's work "1984" has always been fascinating as it delves deeper into the relationship between truth, facts, manipulation and societal control in a totalitarian society.
George Orwell's work "1984" has always been fascinating as it delves deeper into the relationship between truth, facts, manipulation and societal control in a totalitarian society. It exposes how reality can be distorted, and information can be manipulated and exploited by those in power to serve their agendas.
The ruling Party, led by 'Big Brother', dictates what is acceptable and what is not. The people are under constant surveillance by the ruling Party to oppress and control them. They also control language and thought to limit free thinking and make people 'Doublethink' to hold ideas contradictory to 'The Party'. The concept of the 'Thought Police' in "1984" highlights the risks of erosion of individual freedom.
This theme warns about the importance of safeguarding democracy, human rights and the rule of the land.
The question is, "Are there parallels between George Orwell's 1984 and our society? Are we living in an Orwellian reality?" The novel's themes revolve around excessive government surveillance, manipulation of truth and loss of individual freedom that prompts us to reflect on our world.
India's democratic story is not about preserving uniformity but celebrating diversity with single citizenship, allowing people from varied backgrounds and identities to coexist and thrive. Democracy becomes a powerful tool for managing differences and promoting inclusivity. However, the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, which was based on the drafted objective resolutions declaring the Indian State as sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic and republican policy with justice, liberty, equality and fraternity as its objective, has been challenged by the growing intolerance and divisive politics threatening the secular fabric and democratic values of the nation and compromising the Constitution's commitment to social justice.
This story is from the May 12, 2025 edition of The Statesman Siliguri.
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