The hands that pull the strings of democracy - By Hiral Mankad

Written By: Hiral Mankad

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "The hands that pull the strings of democracy," Hiral Mankad explores the nuanced and intricate dynamics of power that operate behind the scenes in democratic societies. Submitted to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece delves into themes of control, manipulation, and the potential for genuine change. Mankad's work invites readers to reconsider the roles individuals and institutions play in shaping our political landscape, encouraging a deeper understanding of the forces at play.

About the Work

Mankad's poem is a powerful commentary on the unseen forces that steer democratic processes, employing vivid imagery and poignant language to convey a sense of urgency and reflection. The poem examines the dichotomy between public perception and the reality of political influence, urging a reconsideration of true power and autonomy. Through its exploration of themes such as manipulation, resistance, and personal empowerment, the poem challenges readers to look beyond surface-level narratives and engage with the deeper truths of governance.

The hands that pull the strings of democracy

Original Submission by Hiral Mankad

The hands that pull the strings behind Democracy.

They hand us flags, then ask us not to see,

The hands that pull the strings behind,

Democracy.

They teach us how to shout,

But never how to listen,

A crowd is easy to ignite,

A conscience?

Far less clear.

They tell us,

“Pick a side”

As if the world is two.

As if the truth has uniforms,

And only one is true.

They borrow all our heartbreak,

Our anger and our pain,

Then cash it into speeches,

While we,

Inherit stains.

The bruises wear our face,

The headlines wear their names,

We bury all our future,

They tally up their gains.

A student skips a lecture,

A leader skips the blame.

One loses years of living, the other,

Wins the game.

We fight beneath their banners,

They dine beneath one roof.

The loudest wars for power,

Need someone else’s youth.

They ask us to be fearless,

To stand,

To scream,

To bleed.

Yet when the dust has settled,

They have filled another seat.

The promises they keep rhyming,

The endings stay the same.

New colours on the posters,

Old players in the game.

The left will curse the right,

The right will curse the left.

The people keep on counting what little they have left.

So tell me,

If every election still leaves,

Empty plates,

If every revolution just rotates,

The gates,

If every new beginning,

Resembles what has been.

Were we changing the kingdoms?

Or merely changing the kings?

Perhaps the greatest protest,

Will never make the news.

Perhaps,

It isn’t choosing,

The red, the green, the blues.

Perhaps it’s building something

They cannot confiscate.

A skill they cannot censor.

A dream they cannot break.

A business born from courage.

A mind they cannot buy.

A life that stands so firmly,

It never has to lie.

Become too hard to threaten,

Too useful to replace,

Too wise to sell your outrage,

For someone else’s race.

Build schools before slogans,

Build bridges before blame,

Build futures so resilient,

They cannot play their game.

Don’t give them all your hatred,

It’s fuel they know,

Way too well.

A politician’s heaven,

Is where divided people dwell.

Because a crowd in the conflict,

Is easier to sway,

Then citizens who question

Every headline they hear.

Demand the truth, demand what’s right.

Demand that justice stays.

But never let your purpose be stolen,

For their plays.

For history keeps whispering,

A lesson carved in stone:

The stronger chains are forged from those,

Who they think they are choosing,

On their own.

So, if you want to shake the world,

Don’t just raise your voice,

Raise your value.

Raise your vision.

Raise your standard.

Raise your choice.

For the day they fear the most,

Is not when streets ignite with fire,

It’s when ordinary people,

No longer need a liar.

When power cannot purchase them.

When fear cannot divide.

When every home becomes a fortress,

Built from work and pride.

That is the real revolution

And this revolution won’t be trending,

It won’t fit a post.

But centuries from now,

It may be,

The only one,

That mattered the most.

-Hiral Mankad

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of artistic expression, inviting participants from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives. This prestigious event showcases a diverse array of talent, offering writers a platform to explore themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. With no predefined winners or rankings, the competition emphasizes the importance of creative exploration and the sharing of ideas.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hiral Mankad for their thought-provoking contribution, "The hands that pull the strings of democracy," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Mankad's exploration of the complexities of democracy and the call for genuine change is a compelling addition to the ongoing dialogue surrounding governance and individual agency. We look forward to witnessing the impact of such powerful expressions.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.