By Wisdom Islamic Students

Copyright thehindu

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India S.Y. Quraishi on Saturday said that democracy is at a critical juncture, both globally and particularly in India.

He was speaking at the second day of the 29th ‘Profcon’ Global Professional Students’ conference organised by Wisdom Islamic Students’ Organisation State Committee here.

Mr. Quraishi said: “More people are now living under authoritarian regimes than in the past three decades. Democratic countries appear exhausted. Voter participation is declining and trust in constitutional institutions is eroding. India, as the world’s largest democracy, has a decisive role and responsibility in this context.“

He noted that undermining federal systems, weakening internal democracy within political parties, declining media freedom, proliferation of fake news, and polarisation based on religion and caste are threatening the achievements India has gained through democracy.

Mr. Quraishi emphasised that professionals should acquire technical skills while also developing civic consciousness and become guardians of democratic values. He added that civic literacy should be included in professional education.

Meanwhile, the conference has strongly condemned the growing culture of violence and undemocratic practices taking root in professional colleges and universities across the country, calling upon the student community to unite against such tendencies.

It was attended by hundreds of student representatives from Kerala and from major cities across the country.