Modi: India is the mother of democracy, our economic success the best ad for it

NEW DELHI: India is the mother of democracy and the fact that the country, despite many global challenges, is the fastest growing major economy today is itself the best advertisement for democracy in the world, PM Narendra Modi said on Wednesday.
"This itself says that democracy can deliver," said Modi, addressing via video conferencing the leader-level plenary of the second summit for democracy, which was co-hosted by US President Joe Biden, Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema, the Netherlands PM Mark Rutte and South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The PM said that democracy isn't just a structure but also a spirit and that it's 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 Sath, Sabka Vikas, meaning 'striving together for inclusive growth'. During Covid-19, said Modi, India's response was people-driven.

PM: Idea of elected leaders common feature in ancient India
PM Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that "our guiding philosophy is Sabka Sath, 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," said Modi.
During Covid-19, said Modi, India's response was people-driven. "It is they who made it possible to administer over two billion doses of Made-in-India vaccines. Our 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative shared millions of vaccines with the world. This was also guided by the democratic spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth, One Family, One Future," said the PM.
Modi also said that the idea of 'elected leaders' was a common feature in ancient India, long before in the rest of the world. "In our ancient epic, Mahabharata, the first duty of citizens is described as choosing their own leader. Our sacred Vedas speak of political power being exercised by broad-based consultative bodies. There are also many historical references to republic states in ancient India, where the rulers were not hereditary. India is, indeed, the mother of democracy," he said.