Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, aptly defined democracy

as a government of the people, by the people and for the people. This definition clearly
underlines the basic tenet that, in this- form of government, people are supreme. The ultimate
power is in their hands and they exercise it in the form of electing their representatives at the
time of elections. In modern times this type of democracy, which is representative in nature, is
most suitable. The other type, the direct democracy in which the people themselves enact and
implement laws and run the administration, is now not feasible as countries are large and their
populations huge. In a country like Switzerland, which has comparatively small population,
direct democracy can still be found.
India is the biggest democracy in the world, with a population of over one billion. India, a union
of states, is a sovereign socialist, secular, democratic, republic, with a parliamentary system of
government. The republic is governed in terms of the Constitution, which was adopted on 26
November, 1949 and came into force on 26 January, 1950. During the past fifty-three years there
have been regular elections to the Parliament and state legislatures. This reflects the maturity and
wisdom of the Indian electorate, in whom the ultimate power and sovereignty rests. With the
passage of time, Indian voters have become more assertive and active as regards their
participation in the process of democracy. The turnout of Indian voters has significantly
increased during the past elections. It was about 52% only during the Lok Sabha elections of
1952 which increased to 64% during the ninth Lok Sabha elections held in 1989. Similarly
during the last elections for Parliament, the voters turnout has been quite encouraging. This
phenomenon reflects the growing political awareness and maturity of the Indian masses, which,
in turn, has made the various political parties more conscious of their responsibility and
accountability to the people.
Indian democracy has been quite successful and its future seems quite bright. The Indian voters
have exercised their right to vote fearlessly and judiciously. Free, fair and fearless elections are
one of the basic pre-conditions for the success of democracy. The Election Commission, which is
a Constitutional authority, is responsible for conducting the elections. It is headed by the Chief
Election Commissioner, whose independence is sought to be preserved and protected by a
special Constitutional provision, to the effect that he cannot be removed from his office, except
in like manner, and on like grounds, as a. judge of the Supreme Court.
Indian democracy has very deep and strong foundations. The credit for this strong democratic
foundation rightly belongs to our leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Pt.
Jawaharlal Lai Nehru, Lai Bahadur Shastri, and Indira Gandhi, etc. Their contributions to the
success of Indian democracy have been immeasurable.
Indian democracy is based on adult franchise and a healthy and competitive party-system. There
are a number of national and regional political parties, like Indian National Congress, Bharathiya
Janata Party, Janata Dal, C.P.I, Bahaman Samaj Party, C.P.M., Samajvadi Party, Telugu Demas,

Muslim League, Shiv Sena, Kerala Congress, National Conference, and Alkali Dal, etc. These
parties play a significant role in the elections and in the smooth functioning of the democracy.
These political parties are the very life-blood of Indian democracy. The political parties, in
opposition to the government, exercise certain checks in the form of criticism of the government
so as to ensure that it does not degenerate into dictatorship and a rule of the few. They criticize
the government policies in a democratic and constructive spirit so that national integration,
secularism, unity, liberty, and the rights of the people, etc. are preserved and further
strengthened.
They help in the formation of public opinion as well. Thus, political parties see that there is
nothing against the spirit of democracy, freedom, equality and social justice. In the absence of
political parties, we cannot think of smooth and effective functioning of a democracy. Different
political parties may have different ideologies but they all aim at the good of the people and the
country. The party system in India has been a great factor in giving meaning and life to
democracy. With the passage of time, a new and healthy relationship has developed between the
ruling party and the opposition parties on the one hand and between the public and the political
parties on the other. It is because of the enlightened Indian voters and political parties in
opposition that the government and the party in power have been more responsive and
accountable to the people and their representatives. Obviously, democracy is not a one-sided
game and it needs two or more players in the form of ruling party, parties in opposition and the
electorate.
Liberty, equality, justice and fraternity are the very cornerstones of democracy. They are not
available under dictatorship and utilitarian forms of government. Without freedom of speech,
expression of faith, profession, and association, etc. democracy is meaningless. Similarly, right to
own property is one of the fundamental rights under democracy. The Indian Constitution offers
all the Indian citizens, individually and collectively, these basic freedoms and rights. They are
guaranteed in the Constitution in the form of six broad categories of Fundamental Rights and are
justifiable. It means that each and every Indian citizen has the right to Constitutional remedies
for the enforcement of these rights. There is free, independent and separate judiciary to see that
these rights are not violated and tampered with. All are equal before law, right from the Prime
Minister to a peon. This is the very spirit and essence of our democracy. An independent, strong
and incorruptible judiciary is one of the main pillars of democracy.
The spirit of democracy in India is deep-rooted and all- pervading. It has stood the test of time all
these years and faced many challenges. It is strong enough to face new challenges. Indias
destiny as a nation depends on how successfully our democratic system will work in the years to
come. Still there are many serious challenges before our democracy. Communalism, separatism,
casteism, terrorism, monocracy, and illiteracy, etc. are some of the basic problems and challenges
being faced by the Indian democracy. Ours is a secular country but, at times, communal and
fundamentalist forces raise their ugly heads and cause considerable strain and threat to the spirit

of democracy. Therefore, we have to be very vigilant and alert about it. Secularism means
freedom to profess, practice and propagate ones religion without interfering with that of others.
There cannot be any discrimination on the basis of ones faith and religion either. There is no
state religion and all religions and sects are equal before the law. Democracy has been successful
in India because -we are a tolerant people and have proper regard for the others point of view.
Difference of opinion is not only compatible with democracy, but an essential ingredient for it.
Indian voters are mature and wise and well aware of their responsibility as citizens of a
democratic country. They have never failed to rise to the occasion whenever the spirit of
democracy has been in danger. For example, soon after the imposition of Emergency in June
1975, when general elections were held in March 1977, the voters decisively voted against the
ruling party led by Mrs. Indira Gandhi and installed Janata Partys government in the Centre. It
was for the first time that the Indian National Congress was routed because of the imposition of
Emergency, during which the spirit of democracy underwent a shocking and traumatic
experience. Thus, the foundations of Indian democracy are well-laid and strong. The various
challenges and threats faced by it have further strengthened its spirit. The fair and free elections,
independent judiciary, enlightened voters, nationalistic political parties and fundamental rights
guaranteed by Constitution ensure a bright future for Indian democracy, notwithstanding the
various strains, stresses, threats and challenges posed by forces hostile to the spirit of democracy.

Introduction
Democracy means A system of government in which all the people of a country can vote to elect
their representatives. Media came into existence in 1780 with the introduction of a newspaper
namely The Bengal Gazette and since then it has matured leaps and bounds. It has been playing
a very important role in shaping human minds.
Role of media
Media plays a crucial role in shaping a healthy democracy. It is the backbone of a democracy. Media
makes us aware of various social, political and economical activities happening around the world. It is
like a mirror, which shows us or strives to show us the bare truth and harsh realities of life.
The media has undoubtedly evolved and become more active over the years. It is the media only who
reminds politicians about their unfulfilled promises at the time of elections. T.V news channels
excessive coverage during elections helps people, especially illiterates, in electing the right person to
the power. This reminder compels politicians to be upto their promises in order to remain in power.
Television and radio have made a significant achievement in educating rural illiterate masses in making
them aware of all the events in their language. Coverage of exploitative malpractices of village heads
and moneylenders has helped in taking stringent actions against them by attracting governments
attention.
The media also exposes loopholes in the democratic system, which ultimately helps government in
filling the vacuums of loopholes and making a system more accountable, responsive and citizenfriendly. A democracy without media is like a vehicle without wheels.
In the age of information technology we are bombarded with information. We get the pulse of the
world events with just a click of a mouse. The flow of information has increased manifolds. The perfect
blend of technology and human resources (journalist) has not left a single stone unturned in unearthing
rampant corruption in politics and society. We all are well aware of what tehelka did. Thanks to
technology that has brought a kind of revolution in journalism.
Impact of media
The impact of media is really noteworthy. Excessive coverage or hype of sensitive news has led to
communal riots at times. The illiterates are more prone to provocations than the literates. Constant
repetition of the news, especially sensational news, breeds apathy and insensitivity. For instance, In
Dhananjoy Chatterjee case, the overloaded hype led to death of quite a few children who imitated the

hanging procedure which was repeatedly shown in most of the T.V. news channels. There is a plethora
of such negative impacts. Media should take utmost care in airing or publishing such sensational news.
Commercialization has created a stiff competition in media. In order to outdo each other print media
has often gone one step further in publishing articles, cover stories, etc. on sex.
Media experts say this is one of the means of attracting readers who are glued to T.V. news channels,
which have cropped up swiftly in a recent past and they believe this is a cheap form of journalism.

Conclusion
No one is perfect in this world and so is the media. Here I am not degrading the media, rather I would
say there is still a lot of scope for improvement by which media can raise upto the aspirations of the
people for which it is meant. I cannot think of a democracy without active and neutral media. Media is
like a watchdog in a democracy that keeps government active. From being just an informer it has
become an integral part of our daily lives. With the passage of time it has become a more matured and
a more responsible entity. The present media revolution has helped people in making an informed
decisions and this has led to beginning of a new era in a democracy.