Prof. Dr. George K. Alex discussed the historical development of Indian secularism and its present challenges. He warned that Indian democracy is in danger, with political oligarchs controlling power and guiding governance, while weaker voices remain unheard. A gradual shift from democracy to a theocratic state is visible in the current scenario. India has unitary state and federation features, but gradually the federal features are purposefully removed. It is evolving into a unitary state, removing the financial freedom of states and intruding into the education system. Recent events in the country call for public alertness, as they indicate a drift from democratic values toward concentrated political control.
