International Day of Democracy: A day for reflection on “global democracy”

The International Day of Democracy, celebrated annually on September 15, was established by the United Nations in 2007 to promote the principles of democracy worldwide. On this day, we reflect on the functioning of democracy in various countries. While many of the 193 member nations of the UN have adopted democratic systems, calling every country a complete democracy would not be entirely accurate.

For example, countries like China and Russia operate with limited democratic processes. In contrast, India holds a special place in the democratic world as the largest democracy on the planet. India not only embraces democratic principles but also takes pride in conducting free and fair elections in accordance with the spirit of its Constitution. With over 970 million voters, India is the only country in the world with such a massive electorate. The country also has a long-standing reputation for holding transparent elections without much conflict, thanks to its autonomous Election Commission.

As the English saying goes, “Elections are the barometer of democracy.” This holds true for India, where elections are a shining example of a smooth democratic process, providing a model for the rest of the world to follow.

Democracy: Beyond Politics

Democracy is not just about political governance; economic life is equally important. Over the last seven decades since India gained independence, the country has made considerable strides in its economy, and the standard of living has improved significantly. In 1950, the literacy rate was just 24%, whereas now it has surpassed 74%. India has also seen substantial growth in agriculture, industry, and technology, rising to become the fifth-largest economy in the world, a marker of the country’s impressive development.

However, we must introspect whether this economic freedom has reached everyone equally within the country. Even today, a significant number of Indians live below the poverty line and lack basic necessities. Mahatma Gandhi’s words resonate here: “Until the common man achieves economic freedom, political independence holds little meaning.” This truth is becoming increasingly evident to us. Unemployment remains a major issue, demanding urgent attention. Agriculture, the backbone of our economy, requires more scientific and technological advancements to continue its development, and we must not forget that it is the primary source of employment in our country.

Social Democracy and Unity in Diversity

Our nation is also known for nurturing the spirit of unity in diversity from the beginning. This has been a source of strength and beauty for India. The term “secularism” should not just remain a word in the preamble of our Constitution but must be embedded in the hearts of all citizens. Communal harmony should become the very breath of every individual, regardless of caste or religion, which is essential in today’s context. We must be vigilant against political forces that seek to disrupt this harmony.

Challenges like terrorism, corruption, and communal violence are significant threats to the fabric of our democracy. It is crucial that we all come together with one mind to face these challenges. On this International Day of Democracy, it is also important to reflect on the four pillars that uphold democracy: equality, liberty, justice, and fraternity.

A democracy thrives when the law provides equal protection and its application is impartial. We must avoid situations where “All are equal, but some are more equal,” as such conditions signal the erosion of democratic values. Freedom of expression, too, is essential for a functioning democracy. Today, it is concerning to see some media outlets aligning themselves with specific political parties or religious groups, which is a dangerous trend for democracy.

The United Nations, which called for the observance of the International Day of Democracy, seems to have lost its own democratic intent. Decisions at the UN are no longer taken democratically. Instead, the five permanent members of the Security Council make decisions based on their interests, which contradicts democratic values. The UN has, over time, become synonymous with the United States, indicating a growing imbalance in global decision-making. It is crucial that the voices of the 193 member nations, representing the majority, are heard and valued.

In summary, the International Day of Democracy is an occasion for serious reflection on the various dimensions of democratic life. This reflection must occur both externally and internally, addressing the concerns of common citizens who aspire for a life grounded in democratic values.

Translated version of Kannada article by Prof. Kokkarne Surendranath Shetty, Udupi.