India is often hailed as one of the world’s greatest democratic success stories, but how does its democracy actually function in practice, and what makes it unique? In this special webinar, renowned comparative sociologist Dr. Salvatore Babones will discuss and explore India’s democratic evolution through the lens of his acclaimed book Dharma Democracy.

Drawing on rigorous quantitative data, primary historical sources, and a keen understanding of India’s civilizational heritage, Dr. Babones offers a clear-eyed, balanced assessment of the strengths, challenges, and resilience of Indian democracy. He contrasts India’s performance with established Western democracies while situating it firmly in its own Hindu civilizational and historical context.

Challenging prevailing academic narratives shaped by ideological biases, Dr. Babones argues that India’s Hindu civil society has been a pillar supporting democratic institutions. He traces the transformation from India to Bharat, exploring the idea of “dharma democracy”: a model of nation-building rooted in shared political community, civilizational continuity, and the practice of self-governance.

Whether you are a scholar, policymaker, or simply curious about the world’s largest and most argumentative democracy, this webinar will leave you with a fresh perspective on India’s political life beyond the headlines and outside the echo chambers.