High Commission celebrates UK-India democratic tradition
The British High Commission today celebrated the upcoming International Day of Democracy through a lively event with Swaniti Initiative, a New Delhi based NGO.
The panel discussion posed the question: ‘‘Is there a secret sauce to democracy? The qualities that make democracy flourish” and included lawmakers, politicians and NGO representatives and young people.
The International Day of Democracy (15 September) was established in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy. All member states and organisations were invited to commemorate the day and celebrate the different models of democracy around the world.
Kieran Drake, Minister Counsellor—Political and Press, British High Commission said:
The UK is one of the world’s oldest democracies and India the largest. I’m delighted that today’s event has celebrated this common democratic tradition in the most appropriate way – through vibrant, open debate.
Further information
Swaniti Initiative is a New Delhi based organisation which works with policy makers and elected representatives to deliver development solutions across the country.
The event panelists included;
- Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Dr Narendra Jadhav, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Vikramjit Banerjee, Additional Solicitor General of India
- Enakshi Ganguly, Co-Founder HAQ: Centre for Child Rights
- Rwitwika Bhattacharya-Agrawal, CEO Swaniti Initiative
The attendees included Members of Parliament, civil society, academics, students and lawyers, working on issues such as democracy, gender rights and legal empowerment of the vulnerable and marginalised.
Media
For media queries, please contact
Sally Hedley, Head of Communications
Press and Communications, British High Commission,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: 24192100; Fax: 24192400
Mail to: Asad Mirza
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