Academic discourse on Indian democracy held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 22 2023: A day-long academic discourse on the topic "Fate of Democracy" and review of the book "To Kill a Democracy: India's Passage to Despotism" co authored by Debasish Roy Chowdhury and John Keane was organised by Ethno-Heritage Council (HERICOUN), Manipur at Sanjenthong Guest House, here, on Sunday.

Participants of the discourse were of the opinion that democracy has actually failed in India and it has affected Manipur to a great extent.

Moderated by Manipur University head of Law Department associate professor Dr Yumnam Premananda, the academic discourse was attended by Imphal Review of Arts and Politics editor Pradip Phanjoubam, Human Rights Alert director Babloo Loitongbam and Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Regional Campus Manipur assistant professor Dr Homen Thangjam as panelists.

Speaking at the inaugural function, HERICOUN president L Ratan explained that the academic discourse has been organised with the primary objective to discuss whether the people actually enjoy the essential democratic rights in India which is regarded as the largest democracy in the world.

He said that in a democracy, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the government can go together smoothly as long as the latter delivers the good for the welfare of the community.

However, problems arise when the government policies and activities undermine interests and rights of the citizens or when the political party in power has administrative lapses.

It is here where the CSOs need to take up steps and criticise the government and make the people aware of the prevailing situation and try to solve the issue.

The academic discourse adopted three resolutions which include Indian democracy is heading towards the wrong path and the book 'To Kill a Democracy: India's Passage to Despotism" is true at its best; Manipur is also affected by the failure of democracy in India; and many such discourses should be conduct -ed along with the public to save democracy.

Comment