India, Sept. 15 -- On International Day of Democracy, the need is not merely to preserve democracy, but to make it more humane, more participatory, more transparent and more accountable.

Democracy is not merely the act of casting a vote on a ballot paper. It is a belief that every citizen deserves an opportunity to participate in nation-building with a voice of their own, dignity and rights intact. In this sense, democracy is a fundamental pillar of peace, freedom, equality, and peaceful coexistence.

Observed every year on September 15, the International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to strengthen this democratic consciousness. The United Nations General Assembly established the day in 2007, and it has been observed since 200...