ABSTRACT
The history of independent India is the history of an experiment – the experiment of democracy. Many other nations, which gained independence from colonial rule around the same time as India, descended into dictatorships and military rule. India, despite its size and diversity, has retained its commitment to democracy. And while we might rightfully pride ourselves on this achievement, this should not make us overlook that much remains amiss with Indian democracy. On one hand, we are one of the fastest growing economies of the world, and on the other hand a large part of our population still lacks access to basic services like drinking water and sanitation. The time has come when we need to reflect more deeply on the problems and challenges that face Indian democracy, and to try and evolve what could be ‘next steps’ for a deeper and more engaged democracy.
