India : Mother of Democracy

A 31-gun salute to the President heralded the birth of the Indian Republic shortly before 10:30 hours on January 26, 1950. It was 894 days after the country attained dominion status following the end of British rule. The ceremony took place in the brilliantly decorated Darbar Hall of the Government House (now Rashtrapati Bhawan) and was attended by about 500 prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Soekarno, the President of the Indonesian Republic. It marked the beginning of a new Republic based on the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and unity.

As we celebrate the 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, it inspires us to look back and realize that Bharat has been the beacon of democracy long before this idea was rediscovered by Western thinkers. India had a history of republics that existed before and after Buddha, such as Lichchhavi, which was a part of the Vajjika territory. The Lichchhavi republic, with its democratic features well-established, can be considered one of the earliest documented references to democracy in the recorded history of mankind. It operated on the principle of ‘let one faulty escape than to punish one who is not guilty,’ serving as a role model for Buddha and inspiring the functioning style of his Sangh.

Sangam literature and epigraphical sources provide valuable information on the socio-economic conditions of Tamil Nadu. The Uttiramerur inscription describes a meticulous election process for members of the Sabha, involving a lottery system to ensure fairness. The Sabha, responsible for various administrative functions, operated through discussions and consensus-building, with provisions for impeaching individuals found guilty of misconduct or corruption.

Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, embodies several democratic ideals that promote equality, justice, and community participation. It emphasizes the equality of all individuals and encourages active participation in community affairs through institutions like langar (community kitchen) and the Gurmata system.

As Bharat enters into the Amrit Kaal, it is an opportune time to reclaim the legacy of our forefathers and great thinkers who sowed the seed of democracy in our DNA. The Department of Posts is delighted to release a miniature sheet of 3 commemorative postage stamps on Bharat – The Mother of Democracy, saluting the democratic spirit of the world’s largest democracy.