India, Aug. 12 -- By Dr. R. Balasubramaniam

There is a particular kind of democracy that flourishes in India without ever appearing in any political science textbook and I have had the privilege of observing it from two rather different vantage points over the years, first as a resident of an apartment complex governed by its own welfare association and more recently as a resident of an independent house that belongs to an entirely separate welfare association covering the wider locality.

Between these two experiences I have gathered enough material to suggest that if Parliament ever wishes to study the true art of prolonged debate over trivial matters, it need look no further than the nearest RWA (Resident Welfare Association) meeting....