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While India claims to have the world’s largest democracy, in fact the past two decades has shown serious slippage in democratic
principles and the rights of many citizens. The advent of the BJP party, comprised of nationalist Hindus has accelerated this decline.
If India is to remain a viable democratic state and become a force for
peace in South Asia there is a clear need to shore up the principles and understand of democracy and the role of citizens and the state in creating and maintaining a free society.
Reviewing the situation in
India and the lack of positive democracy building initiatives a group of Americans of Indian origin began looking for ways to turn around the deterioration of pluralism and the rights of citizens that is occurring
in India today. The Policy Institute for Religion and State was created to assist in educating the peoples of South Asia in the principals needed for a democratic society.
Human Rights can be many
things, the Institute did not feel that a ‘feel good’ approach that was primarily directed towards demonstrations and screeching was effective. They further did not wish to evolve into an anti-Hindu group that
was focused on political change.
Researching various venues the Institute could adopt to be a positive force leaded them to observe the efforts of some members of Congress to build bases for democratic
ideals, education and grass roots.
While members of both parities have been involved in this effort it has primarily rested on the interest and work of Republican congressional legislators and party members. The Institute, following this model, was founded as a place where dialogue between various parities, religions and castes could occur. Its mission is to promote democratic ideals and understanding of the role of all citizens in a truly democratic state. This goal is accomplished through education via seminars, articles, and publications and through various programs directed toward future political leaders and public opinion makers.
Recently it held a symposium in the Cannon Caucus Room that included over 600 participants including members of the House and Senate, Bush Administration and State Department.
It hopes to develop close ties with the Congressional Indian Caucus and is indeed now recognized by some Members as an organization where the multitude of Indian and Pakistan interest groups and sects can meet in open dialogue.
Many congressional staff members participated. Unfortunately, very few Caucus staff attended the Symposium. The Institute realizes that its success in no small way rests on establishing a good relationship
with the Congressional Indian Caucus. It hopes that channels of communication and mutual assistance can be established.
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