'Caste discrimination, religious intolerance & linguistic diversity'

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: India, the world's largest democracy, faces a multitude of challenges in strengthening its democratic foundations.

R Suresh Kumar, a political analyst and independent journalist, in a conversation with News Trail on World Democracy Day, said, “India is a country with rich culture and heritage. People elect the representatives whether it is MP, MLA or Councillors of their choice.”

He emphasised that true democracy should embody principles of equality, social justice, women's empowerment, and be a people's government.

Despite the unity in various aspects of Indian society, caste discrimination remains a significant issue, impeding the participation of certain groups in the democratic process.

Kumar stressed the importance of eliminating rifts based on caste, community, and religion to foster greater national strength. He advocated for a united society where all can live together harmoniously.

The caste system, a deeply rooted social hierarchy, continues to affect millions of lives, limiting educational and employment opportunities and political participation.

Kumar proposed that caste practices should be a matter of personal choice, and no one should be coerced into compromising their beliefs. He underlined the richness of India's cultural traditions, asserting that every citizen has the right to follow their own practices and beliefs.

India has witnessed an increase in religious intolerance, resulting in hate crimes and hate speech against particular religions or religious groups. Kumar argued that society should avoid fostering hatred, as it obstructs the country's overall development.

He suggested that individuals can express their views without hurting others' sentiments. Recent incidents of violence against religious minorities have affected the democratic process by intimidating voters and discouraging their participation, he said.

India is a multilingual nation with over 100 languages spoken, each with its own unique culture and history. It is crucial to respect this linguistic diversity and allow individuals to choose the language in which they are most comfortable.

Kumar emphasised the importance of freedom in language choice without any imposition. Further more, Kumar stressed the significant role of political parties in the democratic process.