Shimla: Lecture highlights need for political party reforms

The 10th Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Lecture was held at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, drawing enthusiastic participation from scholars, researchers, academicians, and dignitaries. Dr Vinay Prabhakar Sahasrabuddhe, former President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, delivered the keynote address as chief guest.

Speaking on “Political party reforms for effective democratic governance”, Dr Sahasrabuddhe offered a critical analysis of contemporary democratic practices. He emphasised that effective democratic governance depends heavily on the strength, ideological clarity and transparency of political parties.

Highlighting the weakening ideological foundations, doctrinal ambiguity, and commercialization of electoral politics, he called for urgent structural reforms within parties. These include promoting internal democracy, curbing defections, and ensuring comprehensive electoral reforms to strengthen democratic institutions.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Raghavendra P Tiwari, Director of the IIAS. Prof. Shashi Prabha Kumar, chairperson of the IIAS, underlined the significance of the memorial lecture in the current political context. Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of IIAS, expressed heartfelt thanks to all attendees.