NEW DELHI, Dec. 5 -- Though hailed as the largest democracy in the world, India has a chequered, if not dubious track record when it comes to safeguarding human rights. In fact, the essence of any democracy is that its marginalized voices are heard and any rule must emerge from that sensitivity. Vulnerable people of India have suffered one disastrous government after another in the past several decades, their lives filled with disappointment, setbacks, deprivations and humiliations. The list of notorious acts of commission and omission is a long one.

A majority of people participate in the race of life barefoot. Governments give only a few the riches to acquire horses, learn to ride it, train the animals and participate in this race. Fo...