What is ‘Democracy’?

Uproar in the Karnataka Assembly and subsequent claims of the death and mockery of democracy.


Liu Xiaobo wins Nobel Peace Prize for his sustained efforts in upholding human rights in China and calling for democratic elections.


Preliminary elections in Kyrgyzstan, one more step in the Central Asian country's path to democratic reform, signalling stability in a terribly troubled region.


First round of elections for Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, a community striving to build a strong democratic government.


A couple of events in the past couple of days, combined with my growing interest in political happenings around the world, have led me to question my understanding of the concept of democracy. In the face of such struggles for arriving at democracy, what do I, a citizen of the world's biggest democracy, understand by this? I don't know, quite frankly. What is my relationship with the government, the state? In a democratic setting, what rights do I enjoy? What are the freedoms that I am entitled to, and am I taking them for granted? How closely is my sense of belonging, my identity as an individual tied to my being a free citizen in a democratic country?


What do you think?