Exhibition on ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’

Democracy is an age-old concept in India

New Delhi, September 04, 2023

Ministry of Culture, Government of India is curating an exhibition on ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’ at Hall No. 14 (foyer area), ITPO for G20 Summit during 8-10 September 2023. This curated experience will showcase the democratic traditions of our country.

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. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the great epics of this land, also talk about involving people in decision-making. There are also found in Indian textual instances that the authority to govern is earned through merit or common consensus and is not hereditary. 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.

“I am representing a country which has the distinction of being named as the ‘Mother of Democracy’. We have had a great tradition of democracy for thousands of years. On this 15th August, India entered its 75th year of independence. Our diversity is the hallmark of our strong democracy.” A country that has dozens of languages, hundreds of dialects, different lifestyles, cuisines. This is the best example of a ‘Vibrant Democracy’.

– Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 25 September 2021

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

Exhibition Elements:

A replica sculpture of the girl from the Sindhu Saraswati Civilisation rotating on an elevated podium is standing in the centre of the hall.

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.

The sculpture of the girl from the Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization in the center. Descriptions about the same can be read on the kiosks placed near it.

Upon the arrival of the guests and delegates, an AI avatar will greet them, and provide concise overviews of the exhibition.

An AI Anchor welcomes the delegates and the Head of States narrating the long history and tradition of the Indian Democratic system.

The history of the Mother of Democracy summed up and retold in 26 interactive screens. The textual content, along with its audio is presented in 16 global languages.

The huge screen at the back of the reception showcases the visual story of Bharat, the mother of democracy.

Concept Note:

With the philosophy of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” meaning “let every living being be happy,” we pray for the welfare of all.

Ours is the country that flourished with the planned and organized cities of the Sindu-Saraswati civilization in about 5000 BCE.

Democracy is an age-old concept in India. While other civilizations were in their nascent stage, India had already developed a mature system of democracy.

As per the Indian ethos, democracy comprises the values of freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity in a society and allows its common citizens to lead a quality and dignified life.

A huge video screen at the back of the reception showcasing the visuals of India’s rich cultural traditions.

Today, India is known as the largest democracy of the world, where citizens celebrate the voting day as the festival of democracy.

Today, as the largest democracy in the world, we ensure people’s participation at the grassroots through the Panchayats. We have adopted a multi-layered administrative system at village, district, state, and center levels and perform peaceful transfers of power through every general election.

Highlights of the 17th General Elections, 2019

Total Number of Electors:911.9 Million

Total Number of Voters: 105.9 Million

Highest turnout of voters: 67.40%

Number of Electorates: 543

Number of Contestants: 8054

Number of Polling Stations: 1037848

Even for 1 elector, polling booths were created in two places (Bhanej in Gujarat and Malogam)

Technological innovations like EVM and VV PAT are unique to the Indian elections.

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Virendra Mishra: Delhi Bureau