SCRIPTING FUTURE HISTORIES - Sun Media Pte Ltd

Vibrant
Democracy
India is the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy.
A remarkable Constitution, well-developed democratic institutions
and true participation by the people in social governance are the
hallmarks of this democracy. Faith in the democratic process is
nurtured as well as protected by an independent judiciary, an alert
and free media and active non-governmental organisations.
The symbols of a vibrant democracy are all around.
India, also known as Bharat, is a union of states. It is a Sovereign
Socialist Secular Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of
government. The Republic is governed based on the Constitution of
India, which came into force on January 26, 1950.
Democracy in India has survived and flourished over the years
because of its all-inclusiveness. India’s multi-party democracy is the
successful embodiment of this very process. India has held freely
contested elections at regular intervals since Independence.
Age-old traditions have dovetailed with the modern concept
of democracy. Outsiders have been welcomed and cultural
influences seen as enriching; proactive inclusiveness has led to the
development of a successful democracy in modern India.
India is a melting pot of cultures, and home to people of all major
faiths of the world. Secularism is not only a way of life – it is a
philosophy embedded in India’s history. Diversity abounds – in
geography as well as in culture. In this land of mighty mountains and
spectacular deserts washed by the waters of three oceans, a billion
people live together - people who speak 18 major languages and
a thousand dialects, worship different Gods and celebrate different
festivals. They also celebrate unity and their unique Indianness.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar,
Chairman of the Constitution
Drafting Committee and first
Law Minister of India, had
said: “Democracy is not
merely a form of Government.
It is primarily a mode of
associated living of conjoint,
communicated experience.
It is essentially an attitude
of respect and reverence
towards fellow-men.”