Welcome to ELECTION TOURISM INDIA 2014

Atithi Devo Bhavah: Words of welcome in Sanskrit, the primary liturgical language of Hinduism. Because it is only here where the guest is 'God' .The people of India are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again.

After successfully introducing the unique concept of Election Tourism in the state of Gujarat, India during Assembly Polls in 2012, we wish to move forward towards the General Elections in 2014.The most anticipated event where the 16th Parliament will be elected..

As part of ‘Election Tourism’, the visitors will have an opportunity to see poll campaigns and get to meet and interact with prominent leaders of various political parties and have an insight of the election processes in rural and urban areas of India. They will also be taken to villages and small towns to interact with locals and what elections mean to them.

Woman in Indian Politics

The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. From equal status with men in ancient times, through the low points of the medieval period, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the history of women in India has been eventful. In modern India, women have held high offices including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the LokSabha(The lower house) and that of Leader of the Opposition.

Women in government in the modern era are under-represented in most countries worldwide, in contrast to men. However, women are increasingly being politically elected to be heads of state and government. More than 20 countries currently have a woman holding office as the head of a national government, and the global participation rate of women in national-level parliaments is nearly 20%. A number of countries are exploring measures that may increase women's participation in government at all levels, from the local to the national.

Importance of Democracy…

Democracy is a system of rule based upon a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It started in ancient Greece, where the word comes from ‘demos’- people and ‘Kratic’- power. It only had a short life there but was adopted once again in the eighteenth century and has carried on successfully to the present day. Over the years it was around in ancient Greece not everybody agreed it was a good thing for politics for example Plato who believed the masses are unwise and will not be able to make a decision and that politicians were more aware and could make better decisions on behalf of the people. However Aristotle thought that politicians work for themselves and would not include the people’s thoughts when making a decision.

However since it has been brought back generally people think it is fairer and it establishes and protects freedom of the people as individuals and as a nation. Into the eighteenth century the public wanted a chance to participate and be represented in the political system. Democracy is important as it protects the interests and demands of minority groups, and all of these groups have access to the political system. In Democracy, Minorities are free from discrimination and their views are as important as Majority views.

Democracy is also an important factor of controlling government power and prevents the people who hold power abusing it and using it for their own gain rather than for the people’s. This is done in a democratic state by having elections and holding those in power accountable for what they have done. Elections do not only help to hold a government accountable but also they let the people participate and have their say in the political process. The people in a democratic system will be able to influence government decisions by joining political parties, joining pressure groups, taking part in protests and many other ways.

There are some countries in the world where democracy has not been embraced possibly due to corrupt governments or even religious beliefs stop everybody in society having liberty and freedom to express their thoughts. In USA and much of Europe and many economically developed countries democracy has established itself, however in some Islamic states the people’s lives are governed by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH and the Koran and the governments of the countries see it as their duty to oversee people’s principles of the Koran. There are some people who think that democracy can slow down decision making possibly when a quick decision needs to be made.

Overall the popular view is that Democracy is an extremely important part of political systems in the modern age and it gives people the ability to participate and to be free. Whether direct or representative democracy is used in a government it still gives people these opportunities and makes the system fair for everybody.

Election Process

An election is a formal decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold public office. Elections may fill offices in the legislature, sometimes in the executive and judiciary, and for regional and local government. This process is also used in many other private and business organizations, from clubs to voluntary associations and corporations.

The universal use of elections as a tool for selecting representatives in modern democracies is in contrast with the practice in the democratic archetype, ancient Athens. As the Elections were considered an oligarchic institution and most political offices were filled using sortition, also known as allotment, by which officeholders were chosen by lot.

Electoral reform describes the process of introducing fair electoral systems where they are not in place, or improving the fairness or effectiveness of existing systems. Psephology is the study of results and other statistics relating to elections (especially with a view to predicting future results).

To elect means "to choose or make a decision" and so sometimes other forms of ballot such as referendums are referred to as elections.

Why Tourism is important for India?

The Indian slogan ‘Athithi Devo Bhavah’ means that guests are like God. Indians have been highly hospitable and this trend is still present in modern India. A guest is revered. Intricate arrangements are made for a guest who comes home for a holiday. The family plans well for the comfort stay of a guest. Going to a broader picture, the tourist visiting India find our country very enigmatic. They have a quest to watch the villagers walk on the rope, eat the butter with rotis and partake in the ritual dance after sunset.

Foreigners love India as it is a storehouse for art, culture, dance and drama. The ethnic culture is present in clothing which attracts several shoppers who love to collect trinkets and serious artifacts. Responsible tourism is conducted by way of giving the tourist the right concept in tours. Their accommodation in government lodges and private hotels is always a luxury. The importance to tourism is essential as they carry the picture of our culture and hospitality. Our courteous attitude reflects our inner self.

On the economic context, foreign currency in India can be gathered via tourism. Several tourist spots do well all throughout the year and special seasons do exceptionally well as the foreign visitors throng the place for sight seeing trips. A trip for any visitor has to be trouble free, with telecommunication network so strong it has become easy for a foreign visitor to have a pleasurable stay. taxis, translation books and a dependable guide makesthe trip interesting. The hygiene conditions in the areas are improving and well maintained hotels and tourist spots are an all around attraction.

The Ministry of Tourism is looking for new ways to encourage tourism in India. It is very much essential for a visitor to enjoy the stay and this is enhanced by facilities like road transport, guides and good hotels. Many hotels have multi cuisine to accommodate different taste buds. Tour operators are now better organized with their plans. Complete details about weather conditions, clothes required and facilities are given to help them prepare for a holiday.