INDIA’S ASCENDANCE: The Unstoppable Rise of Democracy

“Democracy is the idea that welcomes debate and discussion.

Democracy is the culture that gives wings to thought and expression.
India is blessed to have such values from time immemorial.
In the evolution of the democratic spirit, India is the mother of democracy. Millennia
ago, our oldest Scriptures said, “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti”
This means ‘the truth is only one, but the wise express it in different ways’ and hence
we are here for a debate today.”

A most auspicious morning to esteemed adjudication, erudite educators, and

distinguished attendees. Today, I, Parul Thakur, stand before you all not just as a
mere speaker but as a harbinger of awakening, a herald of the rising democracy in
our great nation, India. It is a call to consciousness, a summon to recognize the power
we hold collectively as citizens in shaping the destiny of our democracy.

In the tapestry of time, India has emerged as a nation with a thriving, pulsating
democracy that refuses to be confined by the shackles of the past. Our journey
marked by sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to democratic
ideals, demands our attention. As we witness the crescendo of our democratic spirit,
it becomes imperative to acknowledge the role each one of us plays in this grand
narrative. Democracy is not a mere word etched in our constitution, it is a living,
breathing entity that thrives or with based on our actions or lack of it thereof.

Democracy isn’t a new phenomenon in India. While modern democracy was

officially established with the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, there are
instances of democratic principles in our history as well.
The Mauryan Empire under the governance of Emperor Ashoka or the Chola dynasty
notably under the dominion of Raja Raja Chola and his successors was recognized
for their administrative efficacy and decentralized mode of governance which made
the grassroot level of democracy imperative. In 1992, the amendment was
implemented in the modern country as well by ‘decentralization’ and today we have
more than 2,50,000 active Gram Panchayats in India.

Even after the ruthless, exploitative, and inhumane rule by intruders and foreigners
for thousands of years, India regained its stand with the power vested within the
people itself. The general elections in 1952 marked the beginning of a robust
democratic tradition in India and we thus have consistently held regular elections at
the national, state, and local levels since then.

India, always characterized by the rich amalgamation of regional diversity, religious

pluralism, and linguistic variations, defied early expectations of fragmentation by
effectively managing these issues. Skillfully the state boundaries were redrawn
based on linguistic considerations and established a coalition of regional power
banks. However, a departure from effective federalism was seen when Indira Gandhi
in scope to centralize the division of power imposed an Emergency, I like to call this
a “hiccup” but our democracy won when she was removed from power through fair
electoral means. There was fragmentation, breakaway parties, the rise of regional
parties, and thus, ‘the flourishing democracy, booming democracy, maturing
democracy’ took place.

Although I must admit that we still lack on various fronts as no country is ever
perfect, but the discourse has been purely democratic. So many democratic
initiatives have taken their rightful place in our land to name some of them - Right
to Information Act, Digital India Initiative, NREGA, 2005, Introduction of Aadhaar,
and so much more. Active engagement and participation of people through the Jan
Lokpal movement led by Anna Hazare in 2011, CAA protests, farm law protests, etc
have made our democracy, vibrant and dynamic.

In 2019, the last election, India had over 900 million eligible voters, making it the
largest electorate in the world. We saw approximately 67% of voter turnout which is
about 603 million votes. We have 2500 political parties, yes, you heard it right 2500.
We celebrate the biggest festival of democracy every five years in our own country,
India, Dr BR Ambedkar resolved to accountability over stability, and with such
ideals, we are evolving bit by bit every day.

Vedas, the world’s oldest Scriptures are the basis of our democracy. Back then,
women sages composed many verses in Vedas and today women are leading us to a
better future. Women-led development. Not to mention a woman has risen from a
humble tribal background to be our head of state. Nearly 1.5 million elected women
lead us at various levels of government. Indian women serve in the Army, Navy and
Air Force, and also to mention, India has the highest number of women air pilots in
the whole world. These figures speak for itself. All the lament about India being a
sliding democracy and electoral autocracy is a canard. India, all with surviving the
burden of its brutal past with a blooming number of problems with eventful
neighbors, has kept its democratic credentials intact and has thrived instead. It is not
because of our founding fathers or leaders but the people. it’s the people who are the
repository of thousands of years of wisdom, traditions, beliefs, customs, and culture.
The power lies with a fingertip that marks a vote on the ballot paper or the EVM.
Our democracy rises, when we the citizens rise - rise to the occasion, rise to the
responsibility, and rise above the temptations of apathy.

However, chaotic India might sound or however unmanageable, there is always a

method in the chaos, some order which makes the country function – that is
awareness, that is elections and that is the pulsating wishes of democracy imbued in
our blood. It’s the “Janta Janardhan” our Prime Minister keeps invoking, the “Janta
Janardhan” Congress president thanked after his party won in Karnataka. It’s the
people who gave themselves this constitution, nourished and power-packed with
democratic ideals, not the leaders, not the bureaucrats, but the people.

Democracy does not exist to disappear just because some people or any group’s
favorite political party has lost elections or is unable to win the elections. To escalate
such accusations and seek help from foreigners or outsiders is an expression of
frustration and an undemocratic attempt to reverse the will of the people.

Let us not forget the battles fought, sacrifices made for the privilege, we enjoy today,
the privilege to elect leaders, to voice our opinions, and to shape our course of nation.
This rising tide of democracy is not a spectator sport, it is a clarion call. It beckons
us to question, to critique, and to contribute. It is a plea to the very foundation of a
democratic ethos. It is not once in a five-year event, it is a continuous, relentless,
pursuit of justice, equality, and freedom. It requires our vigilance, engagement, and
commitment to hold those in power accountable. Let’s rise, for a collective
awakening, lies the true strength of our democracy, and it is this strength that will
propel our nation to new heights.