India’s Republic Day: Why You Should Care

A healthy Democratic and Republic India is important for the world, here is why you should care

India is celebrating its Republic day — why you should care — Photo by Darshak Pandya from Pexels

It’s Republic day in India. India was under British rule for a long time and finally became free in 1947. They worked the next couple of years and signed a new constitution into existence on 26th Jan 1950 (called the Republic day).

Maybe you have no idea, or you don’t care. But I think you should care. (I use democracy and republic interchangeably. I do mean both — governments by elected representatives and the rule of law!)

Here’s why you should care:

India is the largest democracy in the world: This is a big deal. Almost one in every seven humans alive today is governed by its constitution. This is the biggest scale of the democracy experiment ever. And it is worth celebrating.

A problem in India is a problem for the world: If India cannot solve its problems, the world will have a lot of trouble. India and the world have many problems to solve — poverty, inequality, climate change, prevention of nuclear war, etc. A healthy democracy has a better chance of moving into the future with confidence.

Plurality and diversity can work: India is one country, but it is a collection of diverse languages and cultures. This is both a challenge and an opportunity. Republic day celebrates the diversity of India and how this plurality can be a strength.

The world needs India (& European Union) to be strong. We need to keep reminding ourselves that it is possible to live peacefully and prosperously with all the differences.

Good for business: The more democratic India is, the better it is for business. If in doubt, ask the EU. India is the fastest-growing large economy globally and businesses are taking note. The more stable the democracy, the better it is for everyone.

Nothing came easy: We should not forget that India (& many other countries) became an independent and republic nation because of the many people who fought for it. We must remember their sacrifices and continue to fight for democracy. We are standing on the shoulders of those who fought for us.