Prof. Salvatore Babones, University of Sydney: Rethinking Indian Democracy—Insights from "Dharma Democracy"

Join us for an insightful conversation with Professor Salvatore Babones, acclaimed author and professor at the University of Sydney, as he discusses his latest book, Dharma Democracy: How India Built the World’s First Third World Democracy. Hosted by Ashutosh Garg on TBCY (The Brand Called You), this episode dives deep into the unique foundations of India's democracy, the role of Hindu civil society, the differences between Western and Indian democratic thinking, and the global misconceptions about India’s political landscape.Professor Babones shares his motivation behind writing the book, reveals eye-opening discoveries from his five years of research, and offers his perspective on the integration of religious pluralism, freedom of expression, and the evolution of political parties in India. He also addresses why Western academics often misunderstand Indian democracy, debunks myths about declining freedoms, and explores lessons that developing democracies worldwide can draw from India’s journey.Whether you're a student of politics, an India enthusiast, or just curious about democracy in the 21st century, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!