New Delhi: The National Federation of Youth Movements (NFYM) organised a dialogue on “Idea of India” at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), here, on August 18, bringing together academics, political representatives, journalists, students and youth leaders to deliberate on India’s democratic, constitutional and pluralistic character.
Held at Committee Room 1, School of Social Sciences, JNU, the programme provided a platform for diverse perspectives on democracy, social justice, constitutional values, diversity, political participation and the role of young people in shaping India’s future. The discussion emphasised the importance of dialogue across ideological, social and political differences in strengthening democratic engagement.
Prof. Ajay Gudavarthy of Jawaharlal Nehru University appreciated the initiative of bringing people from different ideological backgrounds onto a common platform. He emphasised that democratic engagement requires moving beyond preconceived notions about political or ideological groups and creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, even where there are significant disagreements.
Prof. Gudavarthy underlined that the strength of the Idea of India lies in its capacity to accommodate and sustain dialogue across differences. He stressed the need to overcome barriers between communities, political groups and ideological positions through communication and engagement rather than deepening divisions. He also encouraged the organisation of more such dialogues across the country.
Prof. Jitendra Meena of the University of Delhi highlighted the contribution of Adivasi communities to the Idea of India. He emphasised that Adivasi communities have played a significant role in preserving the values, traditions and spirit associated with India and that their contribution must be duly recognised in understanding the country’s past, present and future.
Senior journalist Bushra Khanum spoke about the contribution of Muslims to India’s shared social and cultural heritage and raised concerns regarding the targeting and marginalisation of Muslims. She also highlighted the important role of the media in protecting and strengthening the Idea of India, stressing the need for responsible journalism, fact-based reporting and a commitment to democratic values. She emphasised that an independent and responsible media is essential for safeguarding India’s constitutional and pluralistic character.
Shahnawaz Alam, Secretary, Indian National Congress, emphasised that the Idea of India requires an understanding of the country’s diverse social, religious and ideological landscape. He stressed the importance of bringing people from different sections of society together, enabling them to listen to one another and understand perspectives different from their own.
He noted that dialogue among communities and ideological groups is essential to keeping the Idea of India alive. Platforms that facilitate such interaction, he said, can help build greater mutual understanding and strengthen the democratic culture of the country.
Masihuzzama Ansari, Chairman of NFYM, said that the Idea of India must be founded on equality, equal rights and equal participation. He emphasised that citizens belonging to different communities and ideological backgrounds must be treated equally and should not be discriminated against or targeted merely because of their identity.
He said that an inclusive Idea of India is one where every community and every legitimate ideological perspective has the opportunity to participate equally in the democratic process, with dignity, justice and constitutional protection. He stressed that equal participation and equal citizenship must remain central to India’s democratic vision.
The programme also featured active participation from students and youth leaders, who shared their perspectives on Young India, New India and the Idea of India. Participants articulated their vision of an India that is democratic, inclusive, socially just and open to dialogue across differences. Their participation highlighted the importance of creating greater space for young people to engage with questions concerning India’s present and future.
The discussion reinforced the importance of creating spaces where young people can listen, question, disagree and engage constructively with diverse viewpoints.
The programme was convened by Syed Ahmed Ali, National Secretary, NFYM, who coordinated the engagement among the speakers, students and youth leaders.