Mumbai : 4 July 2023

Indian Institute for Democratic Leadership (IIDL) in collaboration with the Prof Bal Apte Centre for Students and Youth movements, under the aegis of University of Mumbai had organized C20 Regional Roundtable on ‘Delivering Democracy’ at Mumbai University campus on July 04, 2023 in presence of Dr Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor of University of Mumbai.

The ‘C-20 Regional’ is a part of C20 (Civil 20), an official civil society engagement forum of G20 under the presidency of India. Leaders, thinkers, activists and experienced practitioners from across the civil society spectrum from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa and Madhya Pradesh participated in the roundtable for insightful discussions and the exchange of ideas concerning democratic governance.

Speaking at the inauguration of the roundtable, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Kulkarni reminded the audience about the great legacy of the University of Mumbai in shaping democratic values. Remembering the contribution of this esteemed institute in shaping future of the nation, shri Kulkarni said, "In this very same room noteworthy contributors of democratic governance like Pherozshah Mehta have chaired several meetings."
"The Regional Roundtable on Delivering Democracy aims to address critical topics such as increasing voting percentage among new voters and citizen participation in local self-governance," said Devendra Pai, Course Director, Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership - IIDL.

During the discussion Swaraj Shetty of Litmus Test Project shared an important observation that, "the main challenge isn't the first-time voter, but to get the first-time voters to vote consistently and to build a strong belief in democratic values". Pratik Kanodia from Blue-whistle appealed to start the process of civic education from school to ensure better citizen participation in the democratic process. Dr Kedar Diwan of the Loksatta movement tried to bring attention of the delegates towards the idea of small public meetings to create awareness for better urban local governance.

While sharing his views, Dr Basavaraju R Shrestha, National Coordinator of C20 working group on democracy said, " As PM Modi has advised us not to limit the G20 discussion at official level but increase peoples’ participation by involving citizens, this roundtable discussion is the platform for the civil society to contribute in the C20-G20 policy preparations. The deliberations coming out of this discussion will be included in the C20 policy framework."

A total of 25 representatives from 15 organizations participated in the discussion. Some of the other organizations represented include Rotaract Club, Praja Foundation, Rashtriya Matadata Manch, All India Institute of Local Self Governance, and Think India.

Dr Ajay Bhamare, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dr Sunil Bhirud, Registrar of University of Mumbai were also present.

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