'Bharat: The Mother of Democracy' Captures The Essence Of Indian Democratic Ethos

Democratic traditions of the country was displayed at the curated exhibition on 'Bharat: The Mother of Democracy' at the Pragati Maidan for G20 Summit.

The history of democracy in India can be revisited through the 26 interactive panels on one side of the pathways where G20 visitors can read content and listen to audio in 16 different languages.

The panels include Local Self Governance, Elections in modern India, Krishna Deva Raya, Jain Dharma among others. The exhibition can be accessed digitally on the G20 application.

Democracy is an age-old concept in India. As per the Indian ethos, democracy comprises the values of freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity in a society and allow its common citizens to lead a quality and dignified life.

The Rigveda and the Atharvaveda, the earliest available sacred texts refer to participatory institutions like the Sabha, Samiti, and Sansad, the last term being still in currency denoting our parliament.

There has been constant discourse on the legitimacy of the voter in various democratic institutions such as the Parishad and Samiti. The Indian democracy is truly a festive proclamation of veracity, cooperation, collaboration, peace, sympathy and collective strength of the people.

There was a sculpture of the Dancing Girl from the Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization placed at the exhibition. She stands confident, self-assured and looking at the world eye-to-eye. Independent. Liberated. On her body, she wears jewellery much like the adornments that are worn every day by women in western India. The actual height of the object is 10.5 cm but the replica was created 5 ft. height and 120 kg weight in bronze.

Culture Ministry curated the exhibition at the foyer area during 8-10 September 2023.