The spirit of democracy is the “guiding philosophy” of India, where the concept of elected leaders has been a common feature “long before the rest of the world”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday.

“The idea of elected leaders was a common feature in ancient India — long before the rest of the world,” Modi said in his virtual address at the second Summit for Democracy, co-hosted by US President Joe Biden, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.

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“In our ancient epic, Mahabharat, the first duty of citizens is described as choosing their own leader. Our sacred Vedas speak of political power being exercised by broad-based consultative bodies. There are also many historical references to Republic states in ancient India, where the rulers were not hereditary,” Modi said.

Despite global challenges, India’s performance as the “fastest growing major economy” shows that “democracy can deliver”, the PM said. Describing India as the “mother of democracy”, Modi, who was speaking at the Leader-level Plenary session hosted by President Yoon, said efforts of his government are powered by the collective efforts of the citizens of India.

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“Democracy is not just a structure, it is also a spirit. It is based on the belief that the needs and aspirations of every human being are equally important. That is why, in India, our guiding philosophy is Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, meaning ‘striving together for inclusive growth’,” he added.

© The Indian Express (P) Ltd