Page 30 - Mann Ki Baat January, 2023
P. 30
India’s Vibrant Democracy –
A Torchbearer to the World
broader concept of democracy
were formed, and how it evolved.
India has an illustrious history
of republics. Elected republican
city-states such as Lichhavi and
Shakya flourished in India as far
as 2,500 years back. The same
th
democratic spirit is seen in the 10
Century Uthiramerur inscription
that codified the principles of
democratic participation.
These evidences of societal
systems that were in place in
the Indian subcontinent speak
Ram Nath Kovind
volumes about the democratic
Former President of India DNA of our country. When we try
to understand the concept of
democracy, we need to keep in
mind that unlike many nations of
the world, India has evolved over
millions of years. But the values
of inclusiveness, parity, and
virtuous conduct have, to date,
The largest and the most remained indissoluble and now
diverse – Indian democracy are a part of our Constitution.
is a shining example for the When I was growing up in
world. Our history, not only of a small village, India had only
modern times, but also from recently gained independence.
ancient times, reminds us that Among the thousands of dreams
democratic values are part of being seen for the country, I
our civilizational ethos. too had a dream to one day
The Constitution of India, participate in the nation-
which was implemented on building exercise in a meaningful
January 26, 1950, laid the way. It is a testament to the
foundation for a democratic strength of India’s democracy
republic. However, the that a young boy living in a mud
deeply ingrained democratic house could one day occupy
underpinnings of our nation the highest Constitutional office
have its origin in our ancient of the Republic. It is the inherent
past. The recently-released book power of our vibrant democratic
by Indian Council of Historical institutions that is making it
Research (ICHR), ‘India: The possible for each and every
Mother of Democracy’, talks in citizen to take part in the shaping
detail about the uniqueness of of our collective destiny.
our ancient and modern political The trinity of liberty, equality
systems. It also throws a light on and fraternity, enshrined in
how the fundamentals of the our Constitution are not to be
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