India, A Constitutional Democracy

The Article, An approaching milestone in constitutional governance, by C. Raj Kumar is about India's journey of 75 years under constitutional governance stands as a testament to the triumph of democratic ideals in the face of immense diversity and challenges. From a nation where life expectancy was merely 32 years at independence to a vibrant democracy with 85.79% voter turnout in recent elections, India's transformation embodies the power of constitutional values to shape a nation's destiny.

What makes India's democratic experiment truly remarkable is not just its scale but its soul. Five core constitutional values have woven themselves into the fabric of Indian society: the people's unwavering faith in democratic institutions, peaceful transitions of power, protection of fundamental rights, commitment to federalism, and the vital role of a free media and civil society.

Perhaps most inspiring is how India has maintained its unity while celebrating its diversity. As the article's author, C. Raj Kumar, points out, the framers of the Constitution were visionaries who saw India's linguistic and cultural diversity not as obstacles but as strengths to be preserved. They created a framework that protects individual rights while nurturing collective identity – a delicate balance that has stood the test of time.

The people of India have been the true guardians of this constitutional spirit. Through their active participation in elections and respect for democratic transitions, they have repeatedly demonstrated that democracy is not just a system of governance but a way of life. Each election, with its massive turnout and peaceful power transfers, reinforces this constitutional faith.

An approaching milestone in constitutional governance, by C. Raj Kumar. In The Hindu, 22 October 2024.

As India commemorates this milestone, it stands as an inspiration to the world – proving that democracy can not only survive but thrive in a land of extraordinary diversity. The journey of these 75 years shows that a nation's strength lies not in enforced uniformity but in constitutionally protected plurality, not in the power of coercion but in the spirit of consensus.

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