Democracy

This paper delves into the trajectory of democracy in Nepal and Sri Lanka which represent two distinct yet converging stories of political transformation in South Asia. While Nepal’s journey has been defined by a transition from monarchy to a federal democratic republic, Sri Lanka’s post-independence experience reflects a long-standing electoral democracy grappling with majoritarian politics, economic crises, and institutional stress. Despite their differing historical paths, both countries today face a common challenge: the erosion of democratic trust, particularly among younger citizens. Increasing corruption and mismanagement of public funds, the wide age gap between the rising Gen Z and ageing political leaders and the ensuing gap in aspirations, amongst other glaring problems has led to a trust deficit. The paper posits a multi-dimensional approach through civic and democratic engagement with Gen Z in both countries for a synergic renewal.

This editorial examines the expanding influence of artificial intelligence on contemporary social, professional, cultural, and environmental life. It considers both the opportunities and risks associated with the rapid development and normalization of AI, with particular attention to human connection, critical thinking, artistic expression, employment, algorithmic bias, discrimination, and environmental sustainability. The discussion highlights concerns surrounding dependence on personalized AI systems, the reproduction of biases through data driven algorithms, the growing resource demands of data centres, and the changing nature of employment in an increasingly technology driven economy. Alongside these contemporary concerns, the issue of the Indian Journal of Social Enquiry presents a diverse collection of scholarly contributions addressing education, history, democracy, gender, environmental movements, public finance, literature, ecology, and community based conservation. The featured studies examine theatre based education, the historical contribution of Zorawar Singh, democratic legitimacy among youth in Nepal and Sri Lanka, ecofeminist interpretations of Indian environmental movements, the fiscal impact of GST in Gujarat, poetry and ecological conflict in Northeast India, and community conserved areas. Collectively, the issue encourages critical social enquiry by connecting contemporary challenges with historical experiences and emerging perspectives on progress, development, citizenship, culture, and sustainability.

Indian democracy has been operating for over seven decades which has shaped the party system. This paper analyses the different trends in the Indian party system. The focus is on the current phase which shows a tilt towards a stable equilibrium.

Democracy is a theory of society and not a theory of governance. A democratic government is the product of democratic society and not vice-versa. We may define democracy as the organization of society for liberty and equality, through the spirit of fellowship or fraternity, as well as the right to participate in political decision making. Participation and control of governance by people is the essence of democracy which is a constantly moving dynamic force and which impels us towards a social organisation in which every individual member shall have equal opportunity to develop holistically. Pt. DeenDayalUpadhaya's views on democracy and the role of political party is relevant in contemporary India as it was in past. He wanted to decolonise Indian political thought which was largely as he said, “A western political picture in the Indian background”. He strongly argued against the left-right division as being detrimental to the growth of the constructive, transformative pro-people democracy which is the part of his “Swayambhu philosophy” which contains the celebrated Integral Humanism. He argued that this left-right categorisation does not give a correct idea of politics in India because many programmes of these political parties defy any classification on this orthodox basis. He wanted to wash out this distinction from political parties which hamper the transformation of India into New India in a more democratic fashion. According to him, politics must be controlled by the masses and not by the wealthy. Neo liberalism has challenged democracies to ensure they do not become beholden to corporate interest. DeenDayal cautioned that “if steps are not taken to mend them, powerful lobbies will emerge in the country's legislature and political decision will hardly be taken in an objective manner”. Taking into consideration the welfare of people and promotion of national interest, this paper will focus on the feasibility of practising the concept of Integral Humanism in a democracy, highlighting the importance of it in contemporary issues of policy making and implementation through a more democratic, accountable and participative manner.

Fighting corruption has emerged as a key development issue in India in recent years. More and more policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations have begun to confront the issue openly. Corruption in India is today recognized as a complex phenomenon, as the consequence of more deep-seated problems of policy distortion, institutional incentives and governance. Viewed in this perspective, anti-corruption policies are not simply policies that can be planned in advance and isolation, but often a set of subtler insights that can be developed only in conjunction with citizen participation. The Economic Development Institute at the World Bank, in collaboration with the Transparency International and local NGOs, has developed a methodological approach integrating within one empirical framework the various components identified so far for understanding and combating corruption. In this research paper, the World Bank framework is used to understand and explain the role of state and society in combating corruption in India and consider recent initiatives for an effective action plan in this regard.

The relationship between democracy and development remains an important issue in understanding the progress of developing countries, particularly in the context of India. This article examines India as a democratic developmental state, emphasizing the need to balance sustained economic development with democratic participation and responsible citizenship. It argues that visionary leadership alone is insufficient for achieving national development without informed, disciplined, and actively engaged citizens. The discussion highlights the importance of civic education and democratic participation skills, including communication, critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, tolerance, cooperation, and responsible decision making. Active participation in community organizations, local institutions, voting, petitioning, and constructive public discussion can strengthen civil society and improve the quality of democracy. The article also draws attention to the role of education in preparing citizens for the complex social, political, and civic challenges of the twenty first century. India’s developmental progress therefore requires a complementary relationship between effective leadership and responsible citizen participation. Strengthening civic skills and encouraging citizens to contribute actively to public life can enhance democratic resilience while supporting sustainable economic and social development.