ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides diverse perspectives on the concept of deliberative democracy, focusing on the case of India. It addresses various dimensions of the issue, ranging from a theoretical conceptualization of deliberative democracy to its role in constitution-making, Gandhian contributions to deliberative democracy, civil society interventions and the role of the media in deliberative processes in India. The book examines the discourse on deliberative democracy and discusses the different approaches to the concept, raising a number of lingering questions that are relevant points of debate. It focuses on how satyagraha has provided adequate space for contestation as well as reconciliation, offering a conducive and creative forum for deliberation as well as action, besides opening new vistas for alternative politics. The book examines the succeeding waves in the search for alternative politics and deliberative democracy in India.
