Iqbal Ahmed
India stands as the world’s largest democracy, a beacon celebrated across the globe for its democratic ideals. The cherished democratic values of India resonate with people from all walks of life.
The true beauty of the Indian Democracy lies in the empowerment of every individual through the right to vote. This power bestowed upon each citizen underscores the essence of India’s democratic spirit. Whether at the local, state, or national level, the Indian voter wields the ultimate authority.
Absence of military interference in the government
A remarkable trait of India’s democratic setup is the absence of military interference in the government, unlike in many other regions where the shadow of the military looms over democracy. India’s steadfast democratic structure has paved the way for its emergence as a global powerhouse.
In essence, India is a parliamentary secular democratic republic. Here, the President of India assumes the role of the head of state and the nation’s foremost citizen, while the Prime Minister of India leads the government. Although the term “federal” is not explicitly used in the Constitution, the Indian government operates based on a federal structure.
Genesis of India’s democratic system
We take immense pride in the various dimensions of our democratic setup. India’s democratic government ranks as the world’s largest. The genesis of India’s democratic system can be traced back to the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Democratic India stands as a testament to the fact that every Indian citizen possesses the right to vote without discrimination, irrespective of creed, caste, religion, region, or gender. The guiding principles of India’s democratic government encompass liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice.
The Indian political landscape comprises both state and central governments, giving rise to a federal form of governance. The democratically elected governments hold sway at both levels, aided by the two houses of Parliament: the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The President, the official head of the country, is chosen collectively by the central and state governments.
Proud features of our democracy
India, as the nurturing ground of democracy, extends its protective embrace to its minority communities, even in the face of challenges. Ensuring equal citizenship rights for every citizen, regardless of their background, stands as a paramount feature of democracy. The exclusion or oppression of minorities finds no place here; instead, the country’s legal framework strives to ensure their equal status in every aspect of life.
An aspect that fills us with pride is democracy’s commitment to societal equality. This translates into equal rights and laws for all individuals, irrespective of their celebrity status, political stature, or affiliation. The same laws that govern common citizens are equally applicable to celebrities and prominent figures. This unequivocal application of the law stands as a cornerstone of Indian democracy.
The Indian Judiciary stands as a vital pillar within the democratic system, operating independently and free from the influence of any government body or political party. The decisions, laws, and judgments passed by the Indian judiciary remain untainted by external pressures, upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
Our democratic traditions
At its core, democracy aims to provide each individual with a voice in shaping the greater collective societal value. Indian democracy has excelled in fulfilling this objective, empowering its citizens to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth and progress.
The democratic spirit runs deep within India’s DNA, shaping its character, values, and policies. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted during a visit to the USA, without human values, humanity, and human rights, democracy loses its essence.
India’s journey to becoming the fourth nation to land on the Moon and its remarkable strides in the global economy owe their origins to the democratic ethos that underpins the nation’s foundation.
Every achievement and milestone attained by India can be traced back to the democratic traditions that continue to drive the nation forward. As we reflect on our proud democratic heritage, we remain committed to upholding its principles for generations to come.
