Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister, Delhi : As the Chief Minister of Delhi, I am often asked about my perception of the capital and my vision for this city. Delhi stands atop many layers of history and each layer has witnessed many struggles that brought about equivalent changes. Diplomatic struggles to overcome it; bloody battles to subjugate it; bloodless struggles to win over the heart of the city. Of all the struggles that challenge the status quo, democratic battles are the most challenging. They are dynamic. These battles bring a silent change. Above all, they include the people over whom battles are fought precluding none.
The tenure of our Congress Government is in its tenth year, at the end of which we shall go back to the people to be able to seek once again from the city the courage to dream and the mandate to realise those dreams.
Ten years ago, when I campaigned for my party as the president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, I realised governance needs to be an interactive process. Interaction with the people should not end with campaigning — it should begin there. It was during those months of campaigning that I decided to initiate the process of interactions with the residents of this city. Bhagidari — partnership in governance — has been the one single most important guiding force of this government. It has also led to the change in the perception that since governance is all about people, their voice has to be heard; their participation welcomed at every step. That is also the reason why Delhi became one of the first states to enact the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Delhi's demography comprises people from every nook and corner of the country. As the capital of one of the largest countries of the world, Delhi has the natural role as the showcase of India. People come here in search of better livelihoods, better living standards, leaving behind limited prospects of growth. They bring samples of the culture of their regions. Try and visualise various rivers coming from all directions and pouring into this vast sea of humanity. And now add different colours to these rivers. The result is a sea of colours where each colour retains its identity, lending a distinct identity to the sea. Delhi is a "mini India" where different cultures and languages live in understanding and harmony.
Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister, Delhi
