PM addresses Ghana Parliament, describes India as 'mother of democracy'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described India as the "mother of democracy” and said that Indian democracy is not merely a system but a part of its fundamental values. He noted that India would soon be the third largest economy based on the foundations of a stable polity and good governance.

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In his address at the Ghana Parliament, the PM said that in these times of global uncertainty, India's democratic stability shines as a ray of hope and its rapid progress is a catalyst for global growth. "As the world’s largest democracy, India is a pillar of strength for the world.

"A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world. True democracy promotes discussion and debate. It unites people. It supports dignity and promotes human rights. Democratic values may take time to grow. But it is our responsibility to preserve and nurture them,” he said.

In his address interspersed with Vedic verses, the Prime Minister said that India is the fastest growing emerging economy and on the foundations of a stable polity and good governance, will soon be the third largest economy.

He said that from thousands of years ago, India has had centers like Vaishali. He quoted the Rig Veda, one of the world’s oldest scriptures, saying आनो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु वश्वित (meaning let good thoughts come to us from all directions). This openness to ideas, he said, is the core of democracy.

"India has over 2,500 political parties. I repeat, 2,500 political parties, 20 different parties governing different states, 22 official languages, thousands of dialects. This is also the reason that people who came to India have always been welcomed with open hearts. The same spirit helps Indians integrate easily wherever they go. Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” the Prime Minister said.