Why has India survived as a democracy, despite the many challenges? Elucidate with examples.

India is a vast country with so much diversity based on religion, caste, region, language etc. According to JS
mill, democracy in this type of multi-ethnic country was impossible. But, democracy not only survived but also
flourished in India due to the inclusion and collaboration of entire social groups. Indian Constitution is unique,
and the longest written Constitution in the world played the most prominent role to maintain its  democracy. And
the Apex Court protected our Constitution and held control to avoid change in the basic structure of the
Constitution.

Usually, the most famous leaders who lead the country during the independence struggle take the most powerful
post. But, India was so fortunate that it got such a selfless visionary leader like Mahatma Gandhi. He had so
much influence, but he was not interested in enjoying any post, which was the source of inspiration for all other
leaders to work selflessly for the country's people. During the initial decades after independence, Jawahar Lal
Nehru nurtured democracy's troubled childhood. Congress, under his resolutely secular leadership, maintained a
multireligious character. As the longest-serving prime minister with enormous support, he had not changed
norms and procedures according to their personal preferences like top leaders in other post-colonial countries.
Nehru's post-independence democratic consolidation, like Institutionalising elections, prioritising the
constitution and minority rights, helped strengthen democracy.

Independent institutions like the judiciary system helped democracy by protecting our Constitution and forcing
citizens to obey it. The Judiciary system reins the misuse of power by the ruling party. The election commission
helped to conduct the fair election regularly and ensured smooth power transfer. Independent Media played very
crucial role in shaping a healthy democracy. It worked as the backbone of our democracy. Media makes us
aware of various political, social and economic issues and never hesitates to ask tough questions to the
government. Providing more autonomy to these independent institutions will strengthen democracy in future.

Most of the time ruling party in the centre could not rule more than 50% of states in India. Due to different
timing of election in different regions, people's mood shifts, that's why the ruling party could not enjoy the
absolute majority most of the time. This situation forced national parties to collaborate with different regional
parties, which helped in the inclusion to strengthening democracy. India has maintained its democratic
institutions since it became independent except for 18 months in 1975-77. When Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
suspended democracy and declared the state of emergency, it seemed like India was finally starting down the
road that many of the world's democracies had already passed. Yet democracy returned 18 months later.
Common people of the country played a significant role in returning the democracy. Many famous leaders were
born from that movement. "It's very tough to keep those people in autocracy who tested the pleasure of
democracy". This is the biggest hurdle for any leader who thinks of changing this status quo.