By Dr. Munish Kumar RaizadaSeptember 20, 2014| 4.30 pm ISTFestival of Democracy: USALast week, I was at a café in Connaught Place with a group of intellectuals and the discussion veered to comparison of China and America, it being September 9. On this day, in 1976, Mao Tse-Tung died at the age of 82. Mao was the Chinese communist leader known for bringing “Cultural Revolution” in China. The violent revolution witnessed extreme blood-shed and resulted in consolidation of China as a socialist country that continues until today. On the other hand, USA is a democratic country where liberty is the celebrated theme. USA takes pride in being a democracy with liberal values. And you see liberal values in all walks of life in USA. Freedom of speech and liberty is not only encouraged, people will fiercely fight for it, if denied. That is why USA continues to be the strongest democracy in the world. However, It may also be noted that USA has thrived by instigating contempt against communism. This has helped it achieve some political goals at an international level.The principles of liberty and a democratic mindset come naturally in USA. They have cultivated it so well that it seems to have become a part of peoples’ DNA. Right from initial years of schooling, children imbibe the values of liberty. Thiswas year 2003. I had gone to pick up my son from his elementary school in Chicago. As we were walking down to home, he – a student of KG- told me that he had just‘cast’ his vote for the election of Senator. I asked him who he voted for. He proudly said: Barack Obama. After explaining the concept of democracy and voting system, the class teacherhad organized a dummy ballot where the students had to pick their senator for Illinois. Obama at that time was the nominee from Democratic Party. Later, on actual voting day (first Tuesday of November), Obama was elected to be the Senator (Democratic) from Illinois state.Thus, freedom is the mantra of life in USA. Whether it is gay rights, criticizing politicians, choosing a life partner or ending the marriage: you have liberty at your disposal. You can even make movie on an incumbent President. The movie ‘W.’ was released in 2008 while George W. Bush was still in White House. The movie did not portray President Bush kindly. Getting a book or movie banned is unheard of, unlike in India.Americans would, actually, be offended if you ban a book! “I do not care” is a usual expression! Similarly, peeking or poking into the affairs of others is not an American way! That is why, privacy is such a sacrosanct phenomenon here!The critique is appreciated, not the age! That is why, during conversation, they listen to you with same intent whether you are 15 or 65! To remove the barrier of “respect due to age”, people call each other typically by names; the prefixes like Mr., Mrs., Sir and Madam are looked upon with amusement. On a lighter note, every woman is aMs. in USA whether she is 18 or80. You have no business asking if she is a miss (read unmarried) or Mrs.(read married). Whether it is a16 years Dabbie, or 45 years Jackie, you would simply address her as Ms.While Americans have deepened the foundations of democracy, they take equal pride in diversity. Diversity is promoted and celebrated. In India, diversity comes naturally to us. We have a rich diversity in terms of people, cultures, customs, food and languages. Thus, I would say, India and USA are natural allies when it comes to promotion of democracy and diversity.Reservation:The other day, a young man asked me in Delhi if there is a reservation system in USA. He meant caste-based reservation in admissions and jobs. America does not have a reservation per se, but it does encourage what is called “Affirmative Action”. By this, the institutions and companies are encouraged to promote diversity. In other words, a work place or a teaching institution would be considered better that is inclusive of racial heterogeneity, minority (poor, female). Reservation is a very sensitive and debatable issue in India. It can ignite passions to the height of moon! Well, USA has its share of headache. The issue of racein USA can raise political temperature in no time. I will write more on this issue in the following columns.Public Smoking: A menace in IndiaLast week, I was called to participate in a discussion at a regional TV channel in Delhi on the issue of smoking in public. The Union Health Ministry has proposed that the fine on smoking at public places be raised from Rupees 200 to 20,000. Public smoking is a ban in India as well as USA. In India, we are used to see people smoking in public, whether it is in buses, at bus stands or railway stations, restaurants, waiting areas and lounges. And in rural areas, the probability of coming across such a scenario is much more. What is the biggest health hazard when people smoke in public? The non-smokers get exposed to what we call “Passive Smoking”. The biggest difference between India and USA is that the latter have been able to effect a drastic reduction in public smoking, if not in rate of smoking! In USA, you do not see people smoking in public places. Institutions and companies have created specified area where smokers can go and burn their lungs! “This is a Smoke Free Facility” is a commonly displayed sign in USA in public places. The probability of getting exposed to passive smoking is literally zero in a city like Chicago. However, tobacco smoking is common in USA. As of 2012, 18 % of adult population smokes. This rate used to be 24 % in 1997. Thus, the rates of smoking have come down. But the most significant reduction has been in the occurrence of smoking at public places. In India, approximately 10 % of adult population consists of smokers. India constitutes 12 % of world’s smokers’ population. India had banned smoking in public places through an act called COPTA in 2003 on the day of Gandhi Jayanti. Chandigarh was the first city in India that declared itself as Smoke Free in 2007. Despite the legislation and public education, smoking in public places continues to be a health hazard. Even raid-squads (meant to catch the people smoking in public and impose fine and provide health education) have not been able to be of much success. Of equal concern is the widespread use of tobacco products, like gutka. Thus, while smoking is a health concern in both India and USA, public smoking is a nuisance only in India.Fun time:Seen at the back end of mini-truck in Delhi: “Gaadivahijo note kamay, dulhanvahi jo piyamunbhaye.” Loosely translated: “A vehicle is best, if it grows your business. Similarly, a wife is best if she wins over the heart of her husband”. (Sent by Vijay Arora of Faridabad)The author is a Chicago-based medical doctor (Neonatologist) and a socio-political commentator. 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