Prof. Arun Chandra Das Memorial Annual Lecture
(09-03-2021)

The first Prof. Arun Chandra Das Memorial Annual Lecture organised by Department of Political Science of Dakshin Kamrup College, Mirza on " Electoral Politics and Indian Democracy" was held on 9th of March, 2021. Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Professor, Department of Political Science and Director, Centre for South East Asian Studies joined the lecture programme as a Resource Person.

Tribute was given to Prof. Arun Chandra Das, who was the founder head of the Department of Political Science of Dakshin Kamrup College at the beginning of the lecture programme. After that lecture was delivered by Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta. In his speech , he traced light on the importance of Democracy and the core issues related to electoral politics in general and India in particular. He cited very beautiful references and examples of success and failure of Democracy in other parts of the World. He stated that, in spit of being a diverse society with multiple language, culture, religions how India is maintaining democratic temperament is very appreciable; as some countries unable to maintain stable Democracy in spite of having socio-cultural homogeneity. Prof. Mahanta also touched the major issues related to democracy such as Identity, Recognition, Representation, Accommodation etc. and their applicability in Indian Continent. According to him voting in election is not the only essence of political participation; for democracy enjoyment of social, economic and political justice is more important. He has stated that the Preamble to our Constitution is very good arrangement of a Democratic nation. Though off late India is placed in 53rd position in democracy index under the category of flawed democracy, Dr. Mahanta thinks that Indian democracy is going strong. For the success of Indian Democracy we should focus on the implementation and cherish the ideals enshrined in the Preamble. Though there are several loopholes and issues related to electoral politics and democracy in India like use of muscle and money power, useof casteand religion, he expressed his hope that Indian democracy will also shine with the advancement of education and socio-economic and political empowerment of the Indian citizens.

After the deliberation, Dr. Mahanta interacted with the students and answered the queries of them. Manash Pratim Baruah, head of the Political Science Department of the College was the moderator of the lecture programme. Vote of thanks was given by Barnali Kalita, Lecturer, Department of Political Science.

Manash Pratim Baruah

Head, Department of Political Science

Dakshin Kamrup College, Mirza