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On India’s 79th Independence Day, political scientist Prof. Sanjay Kumar reflects on the nation’s democratic journey — its strengths, flaws, and the urgent role of youth and voters in shaping its future.
As India marked its 79th Independence Day, the tricolour fluttered high, carrying not only the pride of our past but also the weight of our responsibilities for the future. Independence Day is not just a reminder of freedom won but of democracy sustained — the promise that the voice of every citizen matters. To explore how far we have come on this journey and where we must head next, we sat down with Professor Sanjay Kumar, a renowned political scientist and former Director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS). With decades of expertise in Indian elections and voter behaviour, Professor Kumar brings an unflinching yet hopeful perspective on the evolution of the world’s largest democracy.
India at 79: Strengths and Challenges
When asked about India’s greatest democratic strength, Professor Kumar’s answer was immediate: resilience.
“If you look at the participation, people engage in elections very, very enthusiastically,” he says. “The regularity of elections, and the fact that India has been a functioning democracy for the last eight decades — that’s the greatest strength.”
Yet, he is quick to balance praise with caution. For him, the biggest threats to Indian democracy come from what he calls the “two Ms” — muscle and money power. The presence of elected representatives with criminal records and the large amounts of black money circulating during elections, he warns, undermine the quality of democracy.
“A lot of black money flows in when elections take place,” he notes. “These are the two big worries of Indian elections.”
From 1947 to Today: How Voter Participation Has Evolved
Professor Kumar sees voter turnout as a mirror reflecting India’s democratic health. In the early years after independence, participation was modest; today, it’s a different story.
“One of the most encouraging signs is the rise in women’s participation,” he points out. “They used to vote less in the early elections. Now, women are participating in much bigger numbers. This is a very positive sign of Indian democracy.”
For him, this increase is not just about numbers — it signifies citizens embracing their role as stakeholders in the country’s governance.
Since Independence: Lessons for the Youth
We asked Professor Kumar how the idea of democracy in India has evolved since independence, and what lessons today’s youth should draw from this journey. His response was both optimistic and challenging.
“I think Indian democracy has become much stronger today compared to the past,” he reflects. “However, the youth have not shown the kind of interest in politics that they should have. The last 10 years have witnessed some change, but my own sense is that students should take more interest in politics, participate in politics, and engage in it much more than they have been doing in the last decade.”
He emphasises that democracy thrives when younger generations not only observe political developments but actively shape them.
The Media’s Double-Edged Role
In the age of instant information, the media’s influence on democracy is undeniable. Professor Kumar acknowledges its power in shaping public opinion but believes it has strayed from its ideal role.
“Media is very powerful and it has quite a strong effect in shaping public opinion,” he says, before adding, “Sadly, I think media is not playing the way they should by taking a constructive role.”
He reflects on the growing perception of bias, with many media outlets seen as favouring one political side over another. “There was a time when media was respected by many people,” he laments. “That’s an unfortunate development.”
Reforms: A Call to the Voter
While debates on electoral reform often focus on legislation, Professor Kumar insists that the most meaningful change lies in the hands of the people.
“We as voters are the most powerful. Don’t underestimate the power of each voter,” he urges. “If we decide one day that we will not vote for a candidate with a tainted background or one who has spent a massive amount of money, then I think the reform will come from within. We don’t need any legislation for that.”
A Message for Independence Day
Professor Kumar’s reflections carry both celebration and warning. The survival of India’s democracy is not merely the achievement of its leaders but the result of its citizens’ commitment — a commitment that must be renewed with every vote cast. As India stands on the threshold of its 80th year of freedom, his message is clear: our democratic destiny depends not only on those in power but also on the integrity, awareness, and courage of over 900 million voters. This Independence Day, that may be the truest form of patriotism — to vote wisely, and to guard the democracy our freedom fighters envisioned.
(By Hrishika Jain & Kritika Sharma, Media Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Christ University, Delhi NCR)