Draft:Indian School of Democracy

Established in 2018, The Indian School of Democracy (ISD) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to cultivating a new generation of grassroots principled leaders.

Through a combination of short-term and long-term programs, ISD endeavors to equip individuals with the moral fortitude and creative vision necessary for bringing about transformative change within Indian politics, thus fostering a political landscape that enables constitutional values and serves the welfare of all citizens. By providing knowledge, skill-building sessions, and opportunities for inner transformation, ISD fosters a community of like-minded individuals who work selflessly to strengthen Indian democracy and serve the nation's citizens with unwavering dedication.

Background

Hemakshi Meghani and Prakhar Bhartiya, both Teach for India fellows, started discussions on the necessity for such a program in 2017.

Hemakshi pursued studies at Harvard Kennedy School, graduating with a Master’s in Public Policy as a World Bank Graduate Scholar. She also gained experience at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Prakhar undertook a Masters in Public Administration at Columbia University. In 2008, he founded Youth Alliance, an organisation aiming to nurture empathetic and ethical leaders .

Vision and Mission

The Indian School of Democracy's vision is to redefine public leadership.

It's mission is to nurture principled grassroots politicians with the moral courage and imagination to make democracy work for every citizen

ISD firmly believes that the current generation struggles to find sincere and principled leaders within the political sphere. Drawing inspiration from the selfless service of leaders during the Indian Independence movement, ISD endeavors to inspire and equip young individuals to strive towards becoming moral public servants. Thus, its mission lies in the promotion of ethical leadership, aiming to nurture individuals with the visionary mindset needed to strengthen Indian democracy and achieve our constitutional values.

Goal

ISD's goal is for 25% of political leaders to be principled by the year 2047,which marks the 100th year of Indian Independence.

Programs

She Represents

"She Represents 2024" is a 7-day leadership program in Delhi, exclusively designed for 40 local Elected Women Representatives from across India, including urban, rural, and Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) governance sectors. This initiative aims to enhance governance skills, policy analysis, communication, and leadership abilities among women leaders, providing them with opportunities to learn from prominent political figures and build networks. Ultimately, the program seeks to empower women to actively engage in Indian politics and uphold constitutional values.

The Good Politician

The Good Politician is a 9-month program that invites 50 emerging grassroots leaders to learn and transform into principled and servant leaders, providing them with an experience that inspires within them the moral courage and imagination required to lead political change across India.

Its curriculum includes 6 weeks of in-person residentials, fortnightly online classes, field work and various established political leaders as speakers in order to prepare leaders for principled politics.

Democracy Express 2023

Democracy Express was a 9-day educational program conducted in 2023 in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, involving 50 young political leaders from diverse regions of India. Participants engaged in activities focused on understanding the political histories and electoral dynamics of the two states, alongside developing practical skills such as constituency management and campaign design. Through it, the Indian School of Democracy aimed to foster a community of principled leaders who explore alternative approaches to politics and aspire to bring constructive change to India's political landscape.

Impact

ISD celebrates its 273 alumni across 25 states, dedicated to making a positive impact in politics. They aim to redefine politics as a means of serving the public and promoting sarvodaya principles nationwide.The alumni have gone on to represent over 16 national and regional parties as well as independent parties. Among the 50 course completers, 10 have entered active politics with parties like AAP, BJP, and AIDMK in Tamil Nadu. 26% of the alumni have been or are elected members of / elected as gram panchayats, zila parishads, sarpanch, councilors etc., 20% are preparing to contest for elections in the future, and 40% are engaged in party work full time.

Alumni

• Dipali Singh , Democracy Express 2022
  • Dipali currently holds the position of Pradhan at Changual Panchayat in Kharagpur-2, West Bengal. With a remarkable track record, she has occupied various roles at the booth level within the Trinamool Congress party. Her vision is firmly anchored in empowering women and marginalized communities and she exemplifies dedicated grassroots leadership through her work.
• Swathi GL , She Represents 2020
  • GL Swathi is currently leading the Political Affairs wing of TDP's Program Committee. Working closely with Chandrababu Naidu, she drives crucial organizational functions and is overseeing the party preparations for Assembly and Parliamentary elections. She is leveraging her past experiences in media and education, and enriching her path towards her political aspirations
• Kiran Mugabasav , The Good Politician 2021
  • Kiran Mugabasav is the National General Secretary of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan (RGPRS) & an AICC member. He was one of the 120 fulltime yatris in Bharat Jodo Yatra. Coming from a non-political family, Kiran's remarkable ascent through NSUI and RGPRS showcases his patience and unyielding dedication. He mirrors values in personal life and politics, embodying commitment and courage.
• Najma Nazeer , Democracy Express 2022
  • Emerging from rural Karnataka, Najma Nazeer presently serves as the State Working President of Janata Dal Secular Women Wing. Her fusion of grassroots wisdom and progressive visiond rives transformative politics. A seasoned social activist, she played a pivotal role in shaping the anti-CAA-NRC movement in Karnataka, showcasing impactful leadership
• Priya Patil , The Good Politician 2023
  • Priya Patil is serving as the State President of the LGBT Cell in the Nationalist Congress Party. With a history steeped in advocating for social causes such as gender equality and AIDS awareness, Priya's journey has led her to represent her community in an unprecedented manner. She pioneers the first-ever LGBTQ Cell in a political party, marking a significant stride towards inclusive representation
• Ajit Yadav , The Good Politician, 2021
  • Hailing from Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, Ajit Yadav currently heads the constituency building of 4 Lok Sabha seats for 2024 General Elections. In the 2022 UP assembly elections, he was in-charge of 12 Assembly seats. With a decade-long dedication to the Samajwadi Party, Ajit is a grassroots leader with an aspiration for the betterment of the democratic system through pragmatic social and political activism. Ajit is the coordinator of the Uttar Pradesh Democratic Youth Front.

• Bibhuti Routray, Odisha, Democracy Express 2019
  • Political Consultant with BJD advising the CM’s Office on comms & IT in Odisha.
  • Also runs a political accelerator called ‘Politics For Good’, aimed at bringing more women into electoral politics.
• Laxminarayan Paneri, Madhya Pradesh, Democracy Express 2019
  • Assisting National General Secretary, Mr. Kailash Vijavargiya, BJP and MLA, Akash Vijayvargia BJP, Madhya Pradesh
• Madhuri Varshney, Delhi, She Represents,2020
  • Ex-councillor candidate from AAP Delhi(2015) working with the Delhi govt. for education reform. She is a member of the central SMC team, DCPCR, SMC cell, and Delhi Development Commission.
• Priyanka Kumari, Bihar, Democracy Express 2019
  • Preparing for the Sarpanch elections in Sitamarhi district, Bihar
• Sindhu M Sudarshan, Karnataka, She Represents 2020
  • Working as the youth wing vice-president for AAP, Bangalore
• Spurthi Kolipaka, Telangana, She Represents 2020
  • Part of a citizens collective ‘womcommatters’ working to establish a functional women’s commission in Telangana and eradicate gender based violence.  She recently launched a fellowship for citizens to lead political action.