Democracy Development and Social Change Group

In today's highly unequal and neoliberal world, the concept of development is facing significant challenges. The traditional understanding of development, associated with creating more poverty and contributing to unsustainability and climate change, is no longer appealing or desirable. As an alternative, community-centric development has emerged as a response to these issues. The binary between community-centric development and state or market-centric development has taken centre stage, shaping the discourse around development. The understanding of development has expanded beyond the traditional dichotomy thanks to the influence of social movements, state policies, and scholarly work. However, "development" has become an empty signifier, co-opted by ultra-capitalist and authoritarian forces.

In light of these challenges, the Democracy and Development Group aims to rescue and redefine the concept and practice of development by exploring its relationship with democracy. The group considers democracy as the lifeblood for substantial development to materialise. Its broader objective is to bring together various conceptualisations and practices of democratic development, critically analysing their merits and drawbacks to evolve a creatively synthesised framework. The group firmly believes that democracy and development are interconnected, and they recognise the fluidity of these concepts, thus shouldering the responsibility of constantly imagining and reimagining them.

The group undertakes this exploration by organising seminars, discussions, and workshops focusing on issues related to Indian democracy. These platforms provide an opportunity to observe democratic processes, analyse power dynamics in politics, and delve into the intricacies of public policies. The group actively engages with socio-political movements and studies their implications for democratic theory and practice. Over time, the group has initiated dialogues with social activists, political leaders, and policymakers, facilitating an exchange of ideas and perspectives.

One of the strengths of the Democracy and Development Group lies in its interdisciplinary approach, enabling discussions and debates on a wide range of topics, including gender and political party manifestos. The temporal and spatial considerations specific to their context shape the group's events. For instance, they have organised a seminar titled "Participatory Democracy and Agenda for General Election 2014," examining the intersections of technology, communication, and their relevance in developing societies during the 2014 general elections. In their sessions, the group approaches elections, like other dimensions of development, from a holistic perspective.

Recognising that movements are constituted by and co-constitute democracy and development, the group actively involves activists and scholars to bridge the gap between ideas and the material world. Their policy-oriented approach does not neglect the radical demands put forth by "extremist" groups, as classified by the state, but rather engages with them. For example, the group had a dialogue on "Social Movements, Democracy, and Left Politics" featuring Harnecker and Lebowitz in 2014, facilitating an intellectual exchange on these topics.

Furthermore, the Democracy and Development Group analyses political parties that emerge from popular social movements, such as the Anna Hazare Movement against corruption and the rise of AAP (Aam Aadmi Party). They critically examine whether mere popular support makes a party and its aims democratic and whether democratic processes translate into development. Through these discussions, the group seeks to understand the intellectual involvement required in participatory movements. They also analyse left-wing politics, which shares similar demands as AAP but has faced challenges in gaining electoral traction across India, except in Kerala.

In all these ways, the Democracy and Development Group actively raises pertinent questions concerning issues that may not have been previously addressed. The group's objective is not to arrive at a grand solution or a quick fix for problems but rather to engage in a continuous struggle, keeping all avenues of discovery open. By fostering critical thinking, dialogue, and exploration, the group seeks to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of development and democracy, striving for progress and inclusivity.