4 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesEDITORIAL

Republic Day: Examining the silence and evolving relationship between state, citizens

Analyzing Republic Day's evolving significance and the relationship between the state and citizens.

Photo by Trevor

Editorial Analysis

The author reflects on the evolving dynamics of public engagement and the potential implications for the democratic ideals of the republic. He suggests a shift from active participation to a more passive acceptance of state narratives.

Main Arguments:

The state projects its power and citizens perceive and respond to it. This dynamic shapes the relationship between the government and the governed, influencing national identity and public discourse.
Critical engagement and active citizenship are essential for maintaining a vibrant and responsive republic. Without active participation, the democratic ideals of the republic may be undermined.

Conclusion

The author emphasizes the importance of critical engagement and active citizenship in maintaining a vibrant and responsive republic.

Policy Implications

The article implies the need for policies that encourage active participation and critical engagement from citizens to strengthen the democratic ideals of the republic.

The article discusses the evolving relationship between the state and its citizens, particularly in the context of Republic Day. It suggests a shift from active participation to a more passive acceptance of state narratives. The author reflects on the changing dynamics of public engagement and the potential implications for the democratic ideals of the republic. The piece explores how the state projects its power and how citizens perceive and respond to it. It touches upon the themes of national identity, public discourse, and the role of constitutional values in shaping the relationship between the government and the governed. The article also hints at the importance of critical engagement and active citizenship in maintaining a vibrant and responsive republic.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Citizen charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures

Connects to syllabus topics like Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, and Constitutional Amendments

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the evolving nature of state-citizen relationship

More Information

Background

The relationship between the state and its citizens has evolved significantly since India's independence. Initially, there was a strong emphasis on active participation in nation-building, fueled by the ideals of the Constitution of India. This period saw widespread public engagement in shaping policies and holding the government accountable. The concept of Swaraj, emphasizing self-governance and citizen empowerment, played a crucial role in this early phase. Over time, the nature of this relationship has shifted. Factors such as increased centralization of power, the rise of a more technocratic approach to governance, and changes in media consumption have contributed to a more passive role for citizens. The focus has moved from active participation to a more observational stance, with citizens often relying on the state to provide solutions to their problems. This shift raises questions about the health of India's democratic ideals and the importance of maintaining a vibrant public discourse. The Fundamental Duties enshrined in Part IV-A of the Constitution, added by the 42nd Amendment Act, highlight the responsibilities of citizens towards the nation. These duties include upholding the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, promoting harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, and safeguarding public property. However, the extent to which these duties are actively practiced and promoted remains a subject of debate.

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed a renewed focus on citizen engagement through various government initiatives. Programs like MyGov and Digital India aim to enhance citizen participation in governance and provide access to information. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of these initiatives in fostering genuine dialogue and critical engagement. The rise of social media has also played a significant role in shaping public discourse. While it provides a platform for diverse voices to be heard, it also presents challenges such as the spread of misinformation and the polarization of opinions. The role of the state in regulating social media and ensuring a healthy information environment is a subject of ongoing debate. The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in governance also raises ethical considerations regarding transparency and accountability. Looking ahead, it is crucial to foster a culture of active citizenship and critical engagement. This requires promoting civic education, encouraging informed participation in elections, and ensuring that the state remains responsive to the needs and concerns of its citizens. Strengthening institutions that promote transparency and accountability, such as the Right to Information Act, is also essential for maintaining a healthy relationship between the state and its citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the central theme of the Republic Day article, and why is it important for UPSC aspirants?

The central theme is the evolving relationship between the state and its citizens, particularly how active participation is shifting towards a more passive acceptance of state narratives. Understanding this shift is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon themes of national identity, public discourse, and constitutional values, all of which are relevant for both Prelims and Mains.

2. How does the article relate to the concept of 'Swaraj'?

The article implicitly connects to the concept of 'Swaraj' by highlighting a potential decline in active citizen participation, which was a core tenet of the Swaraj movement. Swaraj emphasized self-governance and active involvement of citizens in shaping their nation's destiny. The article suggests a move away from this ideal.

3. What are some government initiatives mentioned in the article that aim to enhance citizen participation?

The article mentions 'MyGov' and 'Digital India' as government initiatives aimed at enhancing citizen participation in governance and providing access to information.

4. In the context of Republic Day, how has the relationship between the state and citizens evolved?

The relationship has evolved from active participation in nation-building, fueled by constitutional ideals, to a potentially more passive acceptance of state narratives. This shift involves changing dynamics of public engagement and the way citizens perceive and respond to the state's projection of power.

5. How can social media impact public discourse and citizen engagement, as suggested in the 'Current Developments'?

As per the 'Current Developments', the rise of social media has also played a role in shaping public discourse and citizen engagement. However, the specific ways it impacts are not detailed in the provided text.

6. What are the potential implications of a shift towards passive acceptance of state narratives for the democratic ideals of the republic?

A shift towards passive acceptance could undermine critical engagement and active citizenship, which are essential for a vibrant and responsive republic. It may lead to a decline in public discourse and accountability, potentially weakening the foundations of democracy.

7. What aspects of 'National Identity' are relevant to this topic for the UPSC exam?

The evolving relationship between the state and citizens directly impacts national identity. How citizens perceive their role in the republic, engage in public discourse, and uphold constitutional values all contribute to shaping and reshaping national identity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for Mains answers.

8. What questions could be asked in the personality test (interview) regarding the state-citizen relationship on Republic Day?

Possible questions include your opinion on the current state of citizen engagement, whether you believe it is adequate, and what measures could be taken to foster a more active and participatory citizenry. You might also be asked about the role of social media in shaping public discourse.

9. How can understanding the changing dynamics between the state and citizens help in writing better Mains answers related to Polity and Governance?

Understanding this dynamic allows you to provide nuanced perspectives on issues related to governance, public policy, and citizen rights. You can analyze the effectiveness of government initiatives, the impact of social media on public discourse, and the role of constitutional values in shaping the state-citizen relationship, leading to more comprehensive and insightful answers.

10. What is the significance of 'Constitutional Values' in the context of the evolving state-citizen relationship discussed in the article?

Constitutional values serve as the foundation for a healthy state-citizen relationship. They provide a framework for ensuring accountability, protecting citizen rights, and promoting active participation in governance. Any shift away from these values can have significant implications for the democratic ideals of the republic.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the relationship between the State and its citizens in a Republic: 1. Active citizen participation is essential for upholding democratic ideals. 2. A passive acceptance of state narratives strengthens the accountability of the government. 3. Constitutional values play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the government and the governed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Active citizen participation is indeed essential for upholding democratic ideals. A republic thrives on the informed engagement of its citizens. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Passive acceptance of state narratives can weaken government accountability. Critical engagement and questioning are necessary for a healthy democracy. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Constitutional values such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are fundamental in shaping the relationship between the government and the governed, ensuring fairness and equity.