This voting banner in the US has been making rounds on the internet and various WhatsApp groups. Its message is simple—“VOTE,” but what catches attention is how this single word has been translated into so many different languages. Each translation is a call to action, speaking to people from varied backgrounds, cultures, and communities, all encouraging them to play their part in shaping the future.
But this banner is more than just an invitation to cast a ballot; it represents something even larger: the idea that meaningful progress is rooted in diversity and inclusion, as well as the many voices that come together to build a collective vision.
Breaking down silos for greater impact
Elections are powerful, but they’re only the beginning. Every vote is an expression of hope, a nudge toward change, but no single leader can solve our most pressing issues and complex challenges alone. It takes all of us—citizens, organisations, businesses, and government agencies—working together to address the challenges we face, from inequality and climate change to poverty and education.
Creating a meaningful impact requires a tri-sector approach that bridges the worlds of samaaj (society), sarkar (government), and bazaar (market). True progress is achieved when diverse sectors work in harmony, each adding their strengths to a common cause. Working in silos limits our potential; collaborative action unlocks it.
The power of collective action
Social progress flourishes when different sectors come together, combining their unique strengths and perspectives. Civil society organisations bring community knowledge and grassroots reach; the government provides infrastructure, resources, and policy, and businesses contribute innovation, efficiency, and scale.
The concept of samaaj, sarkar, bazaar reflects this interdependence. Each sector has strengths the others lack, and by aligning their efforts, they create a synergy that multiplies impact. Society cannot thrive without government support and business innovation, just as government initiatives are only effective when shaped by social insights and backed by sustainable business models.
Let’s try and understand how this collaboration works.
The CoWIN platform: A case study of collaborative action
A notable example of sammaj, sarkar, and bazaar working together effectively can be seen in India’s digital transformation, particularly through initiatives like the CoWIN platform during the COVID-19 vaccination drive.
Sarkar (Government)
The Indian government played a crucial role as an enabler in this initiative, facilitating the creation and management of the CoWIN platform, which was essential for organising the massive vaccination effort. The government ensured that the infrastructure was in place to handle unprecedented demand, with over 25 million doses administered in a single day at peak times.
Bazaar (Private Sector)
Private companies, particularly Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), were instrumental in developing the technological backbone of the CoWIN platform. Their expertise in software development and project management allowed for a robust system that could scale to meet the needs of millions of citizens.
Samaaj (Civil Society)
Civil society organisations and community groups played a vital role in outreach and education, ensuring that people understood how to register and access vaccinations. They helped bridge the gap between the government and the market’s technological solutions and the citizens who needed to utilise them.
Moving forward together
The path forward is clear: To drive real, lasting change and tackle the pressing issues of our time, we must stop working in silos and join forces across society, government, and markets. Real change demands voices, actions, and alliances that bridge every divide.
In a world where challenges are complex and interconnected, progress involves collaborative leadership. This banner was a great reminder and a call to action, not just as voters but as collaborators in the shared mission of building an inclusive future.
True progress will only come when samaaj, sarkar, and bazaar converge, transforming hope into action and action into lasting impact. The future isn’t waiting—it’s ours to create, together.
