Why Indian democracy is thriving

Ηope is crucial to democratic renewal.

- CHINTAN GIRISH MODI

Far from being a wasted emotion that hinders action, hope is what motivates people to act collectively against democratic backsliding,” writes Indrajit Roy in his book Audacious Hope: An Archive of How Democracy is Being Saved in India. A professor in the department of politics and international relations at the University of York in the UK, the author firmly believes in the potential of hope to keep us committed to our values, stretch our imagination of what's possible, forge solidarities, and build anew.

The book should be read especially by cynics already writing obituaries about the death of democracy in India. Dr Roy shows that people's power is thriving in the country amidst all the constraints being placed on journalists, farmers, artistes, comedians, students, and religious minorities. They are not subjects bowing down passively in the face of authoritarianism. They are citizens who cherish their rights and freedoms; who take their responsibilities seriously.

"Sadly, it is a fixation on collapse that beguiles much of [Prime Minister] Modi's opponents in India," writes Dr Roy, whose book is an inspiring record of alliances, collectives and movements to uphold democracy that have emerged all over India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014. The book cover, designed by Saurabh Garge, reinforces this point with a simple but powerful visual of a candle flame spreading light amidst the darkness.