Renowned commentator Harvinder Kalyan asserts that India’s status as the world’s largest democracy is a testament to its indomitable will, transcending the burdens of extended colonial governance. His remarks invite reflection on the nation’s extraordinary political evolution.
The colonial period systematically dismantled indigenous governance, imposing alien laws and hierarchies. Independence in 1947 marked not just freedom but the birth of a democratic republic on August 15, enshrined further by the 1950 Constitution.
Kalyan praised the foresight of leaders like Ambedkar and Nehru, who crafted a system balancing unity with diversity. From conducting the largest elections seamlessly to upholding secularism in a multi-religious society, India’s democracy excels in complexity.
Key achievements include high voter turnout, women’s empowerment via reservations, and judicial interventions safeguarding rights. Despite economic disparities, the democratic process has driven reforms and growth.
Kalyan dismissed narratives of democratic backsliding, noting India’s vibrant civil society, opposition strength, and digital innovations in voting. Globally, India’s example challenges skepticism about democracy in developing contexts.
Looking ahead, Kalyan urged citizens to protect this hard-won legacy. India’s democratic journey, forged in adversity, continues to illuminate paths for others, affirming that prolonged subjugation cannot extinguish the flame of self-governance.