New Delhi, October 27, 2025: A stimulating dialogue on the state of democracy in South Asia marked the latest edition of the Federal Studies Discourse Series at Jamia Hamdard University on Monday. Organized by the Centre for Federal Studies, Public Policies and Governance, the event centered around the acclaimed book “Democracy’s Heartland: Inside the Battle for Power in South Asia” authored by Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Presiding over the session, Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, lauded the initiative as a reflection of the university’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. He said the dialogue echoed the founder’s vision of making Jamia Hamdard a hub for intellectual discourse and democratic learning.
In his keynote address, Dr. Quraishi offered a penetrating analysis of the evolution, challenges, and resilience of democratic institutions across South Asia. Drawing from his decades-long experience in public service, he underscored the essential pillars of democracy—participation, representation, and accountability—while mapping how these principles manifest differently in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
“India’s electoral process remains a model of democratic integrity,” Dr. Quraishi observed, crediting the Election Commission of India for its role in sustaining public faith in democracy. However, he cautioned against growing threats such as misinformation, the influence of money power, and declining voter trust, urging for reforms and renewed civic engagement.
Adding a journalistic dimension to the discussion, Ms. Nidhi Kulpati, veteran journalist and former Managing Editor at NDTV, reflected on the media’s role in shaping democratic accountability and public discourse. “The media must remain a mirror to power, not its echo,” she remarked