Democracy on Trial: A Comparative Dialogue on the Resilience of Democratic Values in India and the USA

 During a thought-provoking drive to the airport today, as I was sending off a friend who was bound for Texas, we found ourselves engrossed in a discussion about the state of democracy in both India and the United States. My friend expressed concerns about the current challenges facing American democracy. He maintained a hopeful view towards India, suggesting that Indians inherently value democratic principles so deeply that these principles could never be truly eradicated.

However, I countered by pointing out the historical and ongoing challenges to these ideals in India. I reminded him that throughout history, Indians have often shown deference to authority, whether it be under kings, Mughals, or colonial rule. This pattern, I argued, has persisted into contemporary times with significant consequences for democracy.

For instance, during the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi in 1975, and under the current government led by Prime Minister Modi, we've seen systematic changes that have stripped away critical democratic rights, often without substantial public resistance. Today, individuals can be detained on dubious charges if their views conflict with those of the government, a stark contrast to the U.S. principle where one is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Moreover, I highlighted concerns about the apparent compromise of judicial independence in India, suggesting that some court decisions now seem to reflect political biases rather than an unbiased interpretation of the law. This erosion of judiciary integrity stands in contrast to the U.S., where numerous safeguards embedded within the Constitution prevented even a figure as controversial as former President Trump from undermining the system from 2017 to 2021.

The conversation also touched on the broader societal issues in India, where hierarchical and authoritarian attitudes are instilled from an early age. Despite laws against bonded labor being introduced by Mrs. Gandhi in the 1970s, a form of mental servitude persists, manifesting in workplace norms where employees work far beyond their compensated hours without protest.

This acquiescence extends to the economic domain, where a small number of corporations increasingly dominate, suggesting a consolidation of power that many seem to accept without question. My friend, who often works more for less pay, does not see this as a form of modern slavery, highlighting a broader societal challenge in recognizing and confronting these issues.

As we concluded our dialogue, the somber realization that the ideals and practice of democracy are under threat in both nations was palpable. However, the challenges appear more pronounced in India, prompting a deeper reflection on the part of both of us on the resilience of democratic values and the need for vigilant, informed citizenship.

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