With an endeavor to enlighten mainstream American media, students, youth and second generation Indian Americans about India’s global image, identity, aspiration, role and projection , the Consulate General of India, New York, on May 21, 2014, organized a guest lecture by Prof. Ashutosh Varshney, Professor of Political Science, Brown University as part of the ongoing Media - India Lecture Series. Prof Maya Chadda, Professor of Political Science, William Paterson University was the moderator.

(L to R) Prof. Maya Chadda, Prof. Ashutosh Varshney, Consul General Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay

Consul General Mr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, introducing Mr. Varshney and Ms. Chadda, spoke about the promotion of Indian culture and language by the Consulate and explained the concept behind Media India 2014 and India - State by State 2014.

Prof Ashutosh Varshney

Mr. Varshney, speaking on the topic - 'India'sImprobable Democracy: Resilience and Pitfalls', discussed on how India’s democracy fits into democratic theory. He analyzed how India's democracy has shown resilience after defying the logic of pundits. He explained the weakness's too but pointed out the inclusive nature of India and its democracy.  Mr. Varshney also touched on post - 1947 goals of national integrity, caste justice and elimination of poverty.

Ms. Chadda lauding Mr. Varshney's highly educative and informative presentation on Indian democracy, voiced her opinion on how democracy in India, still a lower middle income country, lasted for so long while in the neighboring countries of  Pakistan and Indonesia, it collapsed and is yet to stabilize.

(L to R) Prof Akbar Noman, Prof Maya Chadda, Consul General Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, Prof. Ashutosh Varshney, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Amb. Aftab Seth

A vibrant question answer session followed. Mr. Varshney and Prof. Chadda, were seen answering each question with such infectious enthusiasm.

Power Point Presentation by Prof. Ashutosh Varshney. (The content does not reflect Govt. of India views.)