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The term "Democratic" is an integral part of the Preamble of the Constitution of India from its inception in 1950, which described India as a "Sovereign Democratic Republic". The VIP (Very Important Person) culture, which is antithetical to any democracy, has regrettably become all-pervasive in our public life.
The Supreme Court Ruling on VIP culture, December 2013
The Supreme Court, while hearing the petition on VIP culture in December 2013, had observed, “One of the issues highlighted in the note was that if the instinct of power is concentrated in a few individuals, then naked greed for power will destroy the basics of democratic principles. But what we have done in the last four decades would shock the most established political systems. … … … A prime example of this is the use of symbols of authority, including the red lights on the vehicles of public representatives, from the lowest to the highest, and civil servants of various cadres.
On April 19, 2017, a statement by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said, “The government is of the considered opinion that beacons on vehicles are perceived symbols of VIP Culture, and have no place in a democratic country. They have no relevance whatsoever. Beacons, however, will be allowed on vehicles concerned with emergency and relief services, ambulance, fire service, etc. In the light of this decision, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will make necessary provisions in the law.”
(Excerpts: Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Special Service and Features, 22-April-2017, End of Red Beacons: A big blow to VIP culture)
Within days, the government issued a notification amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 (Rule 108), which said that politicians and bureaucrats are not allowed to use beacons from May 1, as was announced by the central government.
Cosmetic reforms cannot overthrow the VIP culture
"Attempts at reform have largely been cosmetic, failing to address the root issue—the normalization of entitlement among India’s elite. In a country that celebrates its democracy, the VIP culture is a dark contradiction, signalling that some lives and privileges are inherently more valuable. This entrenched culture not only breeds inefficiency but also corrodes public trust, making citizens question whether democracy truly represents them. The disillusionment born from this “VIP exceptionalism” distances the common people from political processes, thereby threatening the very democratic fabric of the country.
"What India needs is a radical departure from this tradition. Dismantling VIP culture requires commitment from the highest levels, a clear rejection of entitlements that separate the rulers from the ruled. A strong legal framework ensuring transparency, accountability, and penalties for misuse of power is essential, as is a societal shift in which individuals holding office view themselves as public servants rather than privileged beings. Addressing VIP culture is not merely a matter of reform but of democratic renewal—a step towards a truly inclusive democracy where every citizen is valued equally under the law.'
[Excerpted from the excellent article "NOT IMPORTANT" (A full reading is recommended at the link given below) published on "SIKKIM EXPRESS" - OF THIS LAND FOR ITS PEOPLE, 28th Oct 2024]
A satirical take on the VVIP culture, from The Hindu
Some VIPs are treated as VVIPs (Very Very Important Persons). An excerpt from The Hindu article, a satire, published on 27th March, 2025, titled: VIP Culture is Indian Culture
"Indian society is founded on a fixed hierarchy, aka the caste system. The higher rungs have always commanded an exclusive set of perks and privileges. VVIP culture is merely a modern iteration of this ancient set-up. If tomorrow all of India’s VVIPs were to disappear, millions wouldn’t know who to kowtow to, and who to lynch. VVIPs are a ritual class that performs the critical role of offering guidance to the primeval Indian reflexes of sycophancy and obedience. They are the free-floating aristocrats without whom Indian democracy would implode, and the justice system would flail about blindly, unable to distinguish those who’re above the law from those who aren’t."
Auroville and the VIP Culture
Auroville was inaugurated by The Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram near Puducherry in 1968. She described it as a City at the service of Truth and City of Dawn. By Dawn is meant the beginning of a new Age on the Earth, marking the next stage in the evolution of consciousness. The VIP culture, a falsehood as can be seen from the observations of the Supreme Court and the satirical take of the Hindu journalist excerpted above, has entered Auroville just as elsewhere. In recent years, under the administration steered by VVIPs and VIPs, the VIP culture has been flourishing. The administration has been making even a road dedicated to VIPs. The Governing Board approved the gifting of 1.73 acres of Auroville land to obtain land for laying the so-called 10-meter-wide VIP road. Auroville Media Interface post dated 22nd April 2025, said, 'The administration pledged support for a dedicated VIP road in the south western green belt, leveraging Auroville’s expertise and central grants.
VIPs ought to be treated as EIPs in Auroville
Auroville is meant to be a model town for the rest of India and the world, and that requires its organisers to have the capacity to express the Truth. The VIP culture is a falsehood that can be dissolved in this City at the service of Truth by remembering and harmoniously applying in practice just a few things. Instead of extending special treatment to the so-called VIPs, they should be treated just as EIPs (Equally Important Persons). There are many large public events/venues in India and the rest of the world where VIPs and their cavalcades/motorcades are not allowed in. The occupants have to disembark near the entrance and travel inside by means of non-polluting collective transport. With this arrangement, just a parking area near the national highway and a few non-polluting golf-card type vehicles would be enough to transport all visitors, through the existing roads or a new common access road, when it becomes necessary, into the central areas of Auroville. The funds that would be spent on the so-called VIP road can then be saved and possibly go for essential infrastructure repairs/construction in Auroville or somewhere in the rest of India.
The VIP Roads - curves may reduce the occurrence and severity of accidents
The 762-meter-long and 10-meter-wide VIP road approved by the Governing Board goes through long-established farms and cuts through a dog shelter. Instead of disturbing these activities run by volunteers and residents of Auroville, the road ought to deviate wherever necessary and need not be the straightest and shortest. Straight roads tend to encourage speeding and the possibility of accidents, whereas a road with curves has the opposite effect and forces the vehicles to go slower. I have practically seen this proven in a community of Auroville, where I live. There was a stretch of about 50 meters of straight road from inside the community to the highway. Vehicles were seen going quite fast often, and one day I would have been hit by a car of a resident while stepping out of my house. When the road was diverted away and had two bends I haven't seen any vehicle over-speeding or heard of any near-accidents.
Feed the VIPs at community kitchens
Take the VIPs to the central community kitchen, let them stand in the queue with everyone, carry the food plates by themselves, eat in the common dining hall, and wash their plates, like everyone else. This would be a wonderful opportunity for them to experience the dignity of labour and equality.
Conclusion
The above suggestions would help foster better understanding between the ruling class and the common people. The spirit of service and humility they may experience will help them serve the nation sincerely wherever they work.
Ref: "NOT IMPORTANT" published on "SIKKIM EXPRESS" - OF THIS LAND FOR ITS PEOPLE, 28th Oct 2024