India is set to mark International Democracy Day on September 15 with the debut of the “Vaishali Festival of Democracy” in Bihar, a momentous event conceived to shine a spotlight on the nation’s deep-seated democratic traditions.
Organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the event will take place at Nalanda University, and will witness the participation of delegates from around the globe including diplomats from countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Argentina. The event is projected to foster dialogues on democratic governance, leveraging the historical significance of Vaishali, recognized as the birthplace of republic systems, established in the 6th century BC.
The festival will be inaugurated by former President Ram Nath Kovind, with a significant presence of dignitaries including the Governor of Bihar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar among others.
ICCR president Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe emphasised the pertinent role India has played as the cradle of democracy, with Vaishali as the epicentre where democratic principles took birth. He remarked that the initiative is a continuum in ICCR’s efforts under the “Ge-Next Democracy Network Program”, which has already facilitated the visit of 269 young delegates from 77 countries to India, acquainting them with the Indian culture and democratic fabric, to much acclaim.
