India, Dec. 28 -- As a turbulent year draws to a close, and a potentially more chaotic period lies ahead, it's time for an annual year-end prayer for a better India and the world in 2024 (with due apologies to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore).

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. Where the world's largest democracy holds general elections that are truly free and fair. Where the Election Commission steps up to restore the legacy of a TN Seshan-like formidable figure by rediscovering its spine and reputation as a neutral umpire. Where it cannot be that electronic voting machines are tampered with when you lose an election, but are seen to work perfectly fine when you win.

Where political parties conduct a competitive elec...