India is a land of diversity, a country extraordinarily rich in culture and legacy. It encompasses under its wings different cultures, customs, languages, practices, religions, and traditions but despite all these differences, we are known for our “Unity in diversity.” The freedom struggle and our fight against the British empire is a testament to the same. In India, we follow a democratic system, where common people elect or vote for their desired representative, candidate, or party. Thus, giving no scope for discrimination based on gender, caste, creed, religion, etc. We are given the title of the world’s largest democracy.
“Democracy is when the Indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.”– Aristotle. 26th January 1950, marked the beginning of the democratic system in India. The Preamble in the Indian Constitution enshrines the concepts of liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice which form the foundation of our democracy. Democracy is an idea that has a long and deeply rooted history in India. It is a concept that is not new to the Indian subcontinent. It derives these ideals from its rich cultural heritage. Indian democracy's core values include harmony, freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity—underpin citizens' dignified lives. The concept of democracy is guided by the principle of Dharma (duty), which was a prominent principle followed in the Vedas and ancient texts like Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Some of the various characteristics of India’s democracy include pluralism and diversity (encompassing the ideologies of different political parties), federalism and Balance of Power (division of power between the central government and state governments), Free, Fair, and Frequent Elections(The party which can form the government must get the majority of the vote in the election and the election occurs every 5 years), making adequate representation of minorities as well (uplifting disadvantaged communities, such as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), Rule within the Constitutional Law, Freedom of Speech, Expression, and Choice and emphasizing social justice (guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens). Democracy, restricts the power of the government to intervene in the economy, to enact laws that discriminate among citizens based on attributes such as religion and caste, restrict freedom of speech, and limit their right to property. Thus, brings no scope for political and economic exploitation. Implementing the same would roll back the power of the state and vest power in its people where it rightfully belongs in a constitutional republic. Indian democracy can further be strengthened by bringing reconciliation among conflicting groups and imparting the importance of national solidarity. The authorities can enhance provisions that would empower laymen to participate in public affairs along with their daily affairs, encourage the young minds to become the voice for change, teach them the need for tolerance, patience, and gentleness for a mature mind, to stand out, rather than to blend in. Doing so would illuminate the national goals and values. For example, highlighting the need to eradicate poverty and hunger and promoting mandatory education both among children as well as adults.
Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ India's democratic journey is an ongoing process and is not an easy one. It would be a pillar of strength for every citizen and a backbone for the government of the country, a thread that binds the entire nation together. As the world's largest democracy, India serves as an inspiration for other nations striving for a more just and equitable society.
- Nisha Anna Joseph
9th sem BBA. LLB
Explore 360° View