G20 podium
INDIAN democracy is committed to the welfare of the people. Irrespective of whosoever has been the prime minister, everyone has worked for public welfare and uplift of the nation. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is industrially developed, scientifically advanced, technologically distinct and politically stable. The all-round development of the country is a living achievement of Indian democracy and PM Modi’s way of working has increased its vitality. India today also has the ability to live up to democratic values. The world knows, and trusts, that besides being the largest democracy, India is also committed to upholding democratic values. The world respects the Indian democracy and admires PM Modi, who pulls the chariot of this democracy.
The way PM Modi, in his virtual address to the US ‘Summit for Democracy’, mentioned the beauty and glory of the Indian democracy is unparalleled. He told the world leaders that the roots of democracy in India are more than 2,500-year- old and even centuries of foreign rule could not destroy the spirit of democracy among Indians. India taught the world that democracy is not an abstract notion but a feeling that resides in the mind, brain and conduct; it is the soul of the country. PM Modi also reminded the world that India never gives up on challenges; it knows how to turn adversity into opportunity. Every decision of the Government is related to public opinion and its every initiative is governed by the collective efforts of the citizens of India.
The US did not invite many countries to the summit saying that their democratic credentials are not good, but then why was Pakistan invited? It was invited last year as well, though it skipped the event on both occasions. Last time, Pakistan left the conference, fearing China. This time, too, it stayed away from the conference, succumbing to China and Turkey. It is being said that Pakistan, which has been facing worldwide criticism over human rights issues, did not have the courage to face the world community.
Experts opine that the world should never expect anything from Pakistan in terms of democratic system, values, standards or beliefs, because even after it became a separate country, there has only been a sham of democracy in Pakistan. A democratic system could never flourish there. The US did not invite China and Turkey to the summit; the two are considered to be the ‘mentors’ of Pakistan.
The three main takeaways of the conference – strengthening democracy and avoiding authoritarianism, fighting against corruption and respecting human rights – should get the same primacy in the world as they do in India. Only then will the purpose of the summit on democracy can be meaningful. The organiser is not important; what matters is who the role model is on this subject, and who can pull the chariot of democracy the best. Under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi, India has made giant strides on both the development and democracy fronts.
Democracy in India is based on the belief that the needs and aspirations of every human being are important; Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas is its philosophy. Striving together for inclusive development is the hallmark of Indian democracy.
