The Nehru Report and Muslim Rights — Page 145
[ )45 ] of individual freedom, subject to the limitations that, ( 1) for the purpose of a successful career, every man is ob liged to associate himself with some form of Government, and (2) exercise of freedom is permissible only so long as it does not interfere with the rights of others. In as much as these two objects cannot be attained without some kind of organisation, the necessity arises for the establishment of organised Governments. And since it has been admitted that every man is free, the best form of Government is one which requires the least sacrifice of individual freedom and gives to every man the maxi mum share in the work of administration. As Govern ments are always formed of large collection of men, and no large number of men can be expected to entertain the same views on all subjects, and further, as it is not possible to consult all men on every matter, it is so arranged that, instead of consulting the individuals on particular issues, the adult and the wise among them are asked to elect the persons, in whose opinion in affairs of the state they have their confidence, so that these persons might be asked to give their opinion on particular issues, as they come up for consideration. Save these, there is no other reason for the establishment of Repre sentative Government. But the whole chain of reasoning points to one basic principle, namely ,-freedom of the individual. Every man is free and has full right to make his own decision in all matters concerning himself. T 0 surrender personal rights for the sake of the government is a matter of necessity. Whoever surrenders such rights, makes a sacrifice for the sake of his country and the people. And what persuades him to make such sacrifice is the knowledge that men have different minds, if they differ from him in one thing, they are likely to agree with him in another. If, therefore, on a certain occasion he surrenders his own opinion for the sake of others, they