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TN Governor: India's Democracy Rooted in Ancient Traditions

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 8:23 GMT by The Hans India

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu - January 8th, 2026 - Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi delivered a compelling address yesterday at a conclave commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic, hosted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST). Governor Ravi's central thesis challenged the conventional narrative surrounding India's democratic evolution, asserting that democratic principles aren't a recent import from the West, but rather are deeply ingrained in the nation's ancient societal structures and cultural fabric.

Speaking to a gathering of students, academics, and policymakers, Governor Ravi framed democracy not as a political system adopted by India, but as a way of life historically practiced across the subcontinent for millennia. He specifically highlighted the significance of traditional village assemblies and localized governance systems - panchayats and similar structures - as demonstrating early forms of participatory decision-making. These systems, he explained, operated long before modern democratic ideals emerged in other parts of the world, demonstrating an indigenous capacity for self-governance and collective deliberation. This is a crucial point; the narrative often places India's democratic journey as starting with independence in 1947, or even with the establishment of representative institutions during the British Raj. Governor Ravi's address pushes back against this, arguing for a far longer and richer historical context.

The Governor stressed that "the idea of India" transcends mere geographical boundaries. He described India as a "civilizational entity" - a concept gaining increasing traction in academic and political discourse - that is built upon a unique fusion of diverse cultures, religions, languages, and traditions. This synthesis, he argued, is not simply a result of coexistence, but an active and dynamic process of integration that has shaped the Indian identity for centuries. This perspective offers a powerful counterpoint to homogenization forces often seen in globalization, emphasizing India's ability to absorb and integrate diverse influences without losing its core identity.

Governor Ravi's speech wasn't simply a historical recounting. He made a pointed argument for the necessity of understanding India's unique democratic trajectory. He cautioned against the temptation to evaluate India's democratic system through the lens of Western models. While acknowledging the value of comparative political science, he argued that applying Western frameworks can lead to a misinterpretation and undervaluation of India's own democratic principles. India's democracy, he insisted, is distinct. It is not a replica of Western systems, but a product of its own specific cultural heritage and traditions. This argument resonates with the growing emphasis on "decolonizing" knowledge and recognizing the validity of non-Western political philosophies.

The speech further emphasized India's inherent diversity as a source of strength. The nation's multitude of ethnicities, languages, and beliefs aren't considered obstacles to national unity, but rather integral components of its uniqueness and resilience. Governor Ravi encouraged the celebration of this diversity and the fostering of mutual learning between different communities. In a world increasingly marked by polarization and identity politics, this message of inclusivity and understanding is particularly relevant. This echoes recent government initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchange and celebrating regional identities.

This emphasis on indigenous democratic traditions and cultural diversity is gaining momentum in contemporary India. Think tanks and academic institutions are increasingly revisiting ancient Indian texts and historical records to identify pre-modern examples of democratic practices. The revival of traditional panchayati raj institutions, while facing challenges, represents a practical effort to integrate these indigenous models into the modern governance structure. The Governor's address at SRMIST serves as a significant contribution to this ongoing re-evaluation of India's democratic heritage, urging a national conversation about the origins and future of its unique political identity.