New Delhi, September 12, 2023 – In a captivating display of India’s rich democratic heritage, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, curated an exhibition titled ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy.’ This unique exhibition, held at Hall No. 14 (foyer area), ITPO during the G20 Summit from September 8 to 10, 2023, offered visitors an immersive experience into the democratic traditions that have shaped India’s identity.
Bharat: The Mother of Democracy
A Journey Through Democratic History
The heart of the exhibition was a series of 26 interactive panels, each narrating a different facet of India’s democratic journey. Visitors had the opportunity to explore content and audio presentations in 16 different languages, making it an inclusive and informative experience. The panels covered a wide range of topics, including Local Self Governance, Elections in modern India, Krishna Deva Raya, Jain Dharma, and more. For those unable to attend in person, the exhibition was also accessible digitally through the G20 application.
Democracy Rooted in Indian Ethos
India’s commitment to democracy has deep roots in its cultural and historical ethos. According to Indian beliefs, democracy encompasses values such as freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity. These principles are seen as vital for enabling citizens to lead lives of quality and dignity.
The ancient sacred texts of India, including the Rigveda and Atharvaveda, make reference to participatory institutions like the Sabha, Samiti, and Sansad, with the latter term still in use today to refer to the Indian parliament. Even the great epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, emphasize the involvement of people in decision-making processes. These texts also highlight the idea that the authority to govern should be earned through merit and common consensus rather than being hereditary.
Throughout Indian history, there has been a continuous discourse on the legitimacy of voters in democratic institutions like the Parishad and Samiti. The Indian democracy is celebrated as a proclamation of truth, cooperation, collaboration, peace, empathy, and the collective strength of the people.
The Iconic Sculpture
At the center of the exhibition, an iconic sculpture captured the essence of Indian democracy. The sculpture depicted a confident and independent woman, looking the world in the eye. She adorned herself with jewelry reminiscent of the everyday adornments worn by women in western India. This striking representation, standing at 5 feet in height and weighing 120 kg in bronze, was a symbolic embodiment of India’s democratic spirit.
The ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’ exhibition served as a poignant reminder of India’s enduring commitment to democratic values and its rich history of inclusive governance. As the world continues to evolve, India’s democratic ethos remains a source of inspiration for nations seeking to uphold the principles of freedom, equality, and inclusivity in their own societies.
🔍 Key Facts:
- The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organized an exhibition titled ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’ during the G20 Summit in September 2023.
- This exhibition showcased India’s democratic traditions through 26 interactive panels in various languages.
- The exhibition highlighted aspects such as Local Self Governance, Elections in modern India, Krishna Deva Raya, and Jain Dharma.
- Democracy in India is deeply rooted in values like freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity, allowing citizens to lead a dignified life.
- Ancient Indian texts, including the Rigveda and Mahabharata, reference participatory institutions and decision-making involving the people.
- The Indian democracy emphasizes governance based on merit and common consensus rather than hereditary rule.
📝 Summary:
The Ministry of Culture in India organized an exhibition called ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’ during the G20 Summit in September 2023. This exhibition used 26 interactive panels in multiple languages to showcase India’s rich democratic traditions. It covered topics such as Local Self Governance, Elections, and historical figures like Krishna Deva Raya. Indian democracy is rooted in principles of freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity, allowing citizens to lead dignified lives. Ancient texts like the Rigveda and Mahabharata reference participatory decision-making, emphasizing governance based on merit and common consensus rather than hereditary rule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was the purpose of the ‘Bharat: The Mother of Democracy’ exhibition?The exhibition aimed to showcase India’s rich democratic heritage and offer visitors an immersive experience into the country’s democratic traditions.
- What were the highlights of the exhibition?The exhibition featured 26 interactive panels covering various aspects of India’s democratic history, as well as an iconic sculpture representing India’s democratic spirit.
- How could visitors access the exhibition digitally?Visitors could access the exhibition digitally through the G20 application, ensuring that the experience was inclusive and available to a wider audience.
- What are the core values of democracy in Indian ethos?In Indian ethos, democracy is characterized by values such as freedom, acceptability, equality, and inclusivity. These principles are considered essential for enabling citizens to lead lives of quality and dignity.
- What is the significance of the iconic sculpture in the exhibition?The iconic sculpture at the center of the exhibition represents the essence of Indian democracy, symbolizing confidence, independence, and the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
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