Democracy challenges discussed at South Asia conference

An international conference on democracy in South Asia was recently held at SRM University-A.P. The event explored the challenges faced by democracies in the region. It was organized by the Department of Political Science at the Easwari School of Liberal Arts. Prof. Ashok Acharya from the University of Delhi discussed the relationship between liberalism and democracy. He noted that democracy became an established form of governance in the 20th century, while liberalism served as a guiding ideology focused on freedom and self-governance. The conference, titled "Democracy's Undoing: South Asia and its Polities," featured academics and researchers from around the world. Prof. Kurt Annen from the University of Guelph discussed the link between democracy and economic growth. He stressed the need to understand how democracies can promote economic development. Vishnupad, the Dean of the Easwari School of Liberal Arts, spoke about various aspects of democracy and the school's vision. Idris Hassan Bhat, the conference convener, highlighted the resilience of democratic ideals in South Asia.