New Delhi: The Centre for Federal Studies, Public Policies and Governance, Jamia Hamdard, successfully organised the latest edition of its Federal Studies Discourse Series, featuring a thought-provoking Dialogue on Democracy based on the acclaimed book “Democracy’s Heartland: Inside the Battle for Power in South Asia” by Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh, Head, Centre for Federal Studies, Public Policies and Governance, Jamia Hamdard, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the trajectory of democracy as an idea over the centuries. He categorically said that Democracy may have a temporary shutdown but it never dies.
The session was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard. In his presidential address, he commended the initiative and emphasised how the discourse series aligns with Jamia Hamdard’s founder’s vision of fostering critical thinking and civic engagement among students. He underscored the importance of democratic dialogue as a cornerstone of higher education and intellectual growth.
The event was graced by Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he provided an insightful exposition on the evolution, challenges, and resilience of democracy in South Asia. Drawing from his extensive experience in public service, Dr. Quraishi elaborated on the foundational principles of democracy – participation, representation, and accountability and how these ideals have taken distinct shapes across the subcontinent.
He mapped the critical trajectory of South Asian democracies, discussing the contrasts between institutional strength and political volatility in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Emphasising India’s electoral robustness, Dr. Quraishi highlighted the Election Commission’s pivotal role in upholding democratic integrity, while also cautioning against emerging threats such as misinformation, money power, and declining voter trust. He also underlined the best electoral practices of these countries.
Ms. Nidhi Kulpati, veteran journalist and Former Managing Editor at NDTV added a journalistic perspective, sharing her reflections on how media narratives shape public perception and accountability in democratic societies.
The session was coordinated and organised by students Amar Pratap Singh, Ms. Tuba Naquib, Abdur Rahman, and Shams Tabrez Siddiqui, under the guidance of the Centre for Federal Studies, Public Policies and Governance, Jamia Hamdard,
The session concluded with an engaging interactive discussion with students and faculty members, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Anam Sheikh.
