Elections have begun in Maharashtra, but the document argues that elections and democracy should not be seen as ends in themselves or as cures for all problems. They are important means for progress, along with factors like study, research, art, and spirituality. Specifically, the document recommends giving top priority to "namasmaran", or remembrance and connection to one's true self, before, during and after elections, as this provides empowering inner light and is the basis for individual and global blossoming. Elections should aim to vote selflessly and elect benevolent candidates, and those elected should strive to become able and noble leaders.

1. Elections, Democracy
&
Namasmaran
Dr.
Shriniwas

2. Kashalikar

3. Elections in Maharashtra are declared
and the various transactions of election
of peoples’ representatives have begun.
As a result of deification of democracy,
most of us, the voters and the
candidates, have apparently developed
an illusory feeling that elections and
democracy are panacea for the cure of
all evils. If not, at least we tend to
pretend so.
Elections and democracy are actually the
means (amongst many others such as
study, analysis, experimentation,

4. research, industry, agriculture, craft,
business, art, literature, sports, rituals,
festivals, conventions, prayers, various
techniques of meditation etc); evolved
during the development of human
civilization. They are meant for ushering
in the ambience that would be conducive
to individual and global blossoming.
They are not the end in themselves.
In as much as it is true that elections
and democracy are important means, it
is truer that assuming elections and the
democracy as the end in themselves and
neglecting the other means of global

5. blossoming such as those mentioned
above, would be naive and
counterproductive.
From immediate practical point of view,
isn’t it true and important that we get
empowered to vote selflessly and bravely
and elect benevolent candidates?
Conversely isn’t it true that those who
get elected evolve into able and noble
individuals (if they are not at present)?
The visionaries have reiterated time and
again that; NAMASMARAN i.e.
remembrance of; and connection with;

6. the true self; is the source of universally
benevolent and empowering inner light.
They have insisted and affirmed that it is
the basis, essence and culmination of all
the means; conducive to individual and
global blossoming! Shouldn’t
NAMASMARAN be our topmost
priority before, during and after
elections and irrespective of the stage of
evolution of democracy?
DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR