Jain (Deemed-to-be University) in collaboration with Lokniti-CSDS and Global Barometer Survey organized a Public Event for the release of the State of Democracy in South Asia Report, on 2 March 2017.

The South Asia Report is part of the Global Barometer Surveys (GBS), a first comprehensive effort to measure, at a mass level, the current social, political, and economic atmosphere around the world. It provides an independent, non-partisan, multidisciplinary view of public opinion on a range of policy-relevant issues. The South Asia Report covered Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The eminent historian and public intellectual, Dr. Ramachandra Guha, commended the Report for its relevant findings. He drew attention to the high level of enthusiasm about democracy coupled with a strong dissatisfaction with the working of democracy. He highlighted the challenges mentioned in the Report and suggested that there should be a specific gender focus in the Report.

Dr. Jayadeva Uyangoda, the Rajni Kothari Chair at the CSDS and a Social Scientist from Sri Lanka spoke on the multiple zones of similarity and important areas of difference. He highlighted the fact that the Report focused on how democracy has changed South Asia and how South Asia had transformed the understanding of democracy.

Dr. Yunhan Chu a Professor from the National Taiwan University and the Director of the Asia Barometer, underlined the importance of survey research in highlighting popular perceptions and aspirations of democracy.

Dr. Chenraj Roychand, President Jain (Deemed-to-be University) commended all those who played a role in producing the report and encouraged scholars to present the findings as policy priorities for the government.

Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Director CSDS, proposed the vote of thanks.