India today the fastest growing economy, is best advertisement for democracy: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India despite the many global challenges is the fastest growing major economy today, and this is the best advertisement for democracy in the world.

In his virtual address at a plenary session of the US’ Summit for Democracy, PM Modi cited examples of democratic processes from the ancient scriptures to say that “India is indeed the mother of democracies”.

“The idea of elected leaders was a common feature in ancient India long before the rest of the world. In our ancient epic Mahabharata, the first duty of citizens is described as choosing their own leaders.

“Our sacred Vedas speak of political power being exercised by broad based consultative bodies. There are many historical references to republic states in ancient India, where the rulers were not hereditary. India is indeed the mother of democracies,” he said

“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 Saath, Sabka Vikas, meaning, Striving Together for Inclusive Growth. Whether it is our effort to fight climate change through lifestyle changes, to conserve water through distributed storage, or provide clean cooking fuel to everyone, every initiative is powered by the collective efforts of the citizens of India.

“During Covid-19 India’s response was people-driven; it is they who made it possible to administer over 2 billion doses of made in India vaccines,” he said, adding that India through its Vaccine Maitri initiative has shared millions of doses of vaccines with the world, which was also guided by the democratic spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam of One Earth, One Family, One Future.

“There is much to say about the virtues of democracy. But let me say just this, that India despite the many global challenges is the fastest growing major economy today. This itself is the best advertisement for democracy in the world. This itself says that democracy can deliver,” he said.

PM Modi was addressing the US Summit for Democracy at a Leader-level plenary hosted by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Leader-level Plenary was titled ‘Democracy Delivering Economic Growth and Shared Prosperity’.