Encourage universities to organise lectures on ‘India: Mother of Democracy’: UGC to governors

NEW DELHI: University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman, M Jagadesh Kumar, has written to the governors of all states to direct universities in their states to organise a lecture on the theme “India: Mother of Democracy” on November 26 on the occasion of Constitution Day and create awareness among students about India’s contribution to democracy.

In a letter to one of the governors, Kumar emphasized upon the supremacy of Indian democracy and said, “India is a diverse nation with different religions, languages, cultures, etc. But there is a common denominator that connects all Indians: the democratic value. The Indian democracy marching ahead in its 75th year, on the strengths of inclusiveness and diversity, is not only the world’s largest democracy but also the mother of democracy.”

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The UGC chairman shared a concept note on “Bharat: Loktantra ki Janani (India: Mother of Democracy)” and requested all governors to encourage universities to organise the lecture on this theme and celebrate “Indian democracy”.

The concept note explains how democracy existed in India since Vedic times and has evolved over ages and there is historical evidence which points towards the democratic system of the country.

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UGC has collaborated with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) to organise special lectures from November 15 to 30 in 90 universities including 45 central and 45 deemed universities across the country. The ICHR is launching a book on “Bharat: Loktantra Ki Janani” which is a compilation of 30 chapters contributed by 30 well-known authors. These authors will be delivering lectures at different universities focusing on the topics they have contributed to the theme.

Apart from the main theme, there are 15 sub-themes and the authors will be delivering lectures on 29 different themes. According to UGC, the series of lectures will help students understand the values and outcomes of democracy in order to make India’s democracy more modern and empowered.