Karnataka Forms 2,500-Km-Long Human Chain to Mark International Day of Democracy

Bengaluru: In a remarkable show of unity and democratic spirit, Karnataka marked the International Day of Democracy on Sunday by organising a historic 2,500-kilometre-long human chain spanning the state from Bidar to Chamarajanagar. The event, described as the “world’s longest” human chain, was organised to symbolise equality, fraternity, unity, and participative governance, with involvement from people of all walks of life.

The initiative, led by the state government in collaboration with civil society organisations, involved participation from 31 districts across Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joined the main event held at Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature and secretariat. Senior ministers, government officials, and thousands of citizens, including members of the transgender and differently-abled communities, participated in this large-scale event.

At the Vidhana Soudha, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commenced the occasion by reading the preamble of the Indian Constitution, emphasising the values of democracy, equality, and justice. He was joined by senior ministers and officials as the human chain was formed around the city’s iconic legislative building, with participants holding hands to echo the spirit of democratic unity.

In Karnataka, our government is dedicated to building a state where democracy thrives, communities live in harmony, and secularism is upheld.

But the threat to these values still persists. Together, we must remain vigilant, stand united, and continue to nurture Karnataka as a… pic.twitter.com/Ngn6oxlVj9

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 15, 2024

A Record-Breaking Feat

The human chain, said to be around 2,500 km long, is being hailed as the longest in the world. A record verification team from London was invited to witness and authenticate the achievement, which saw approximately 25 lakh people participating across the state, with an average of over 1,000 people per kilometre. This historic event covered every corner of Karnataka, creating an unbroken chain that linked urban centres, rural areas, and small towns.

According to government estimates, this human chain brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, including civil society representatives, public servants, students, and ordinary citizens. The scale of the event not only aimed to set a world record but also sought to instil pride in the democratic principles that guide the nation and the state.

A Commitment to Sustainability

In addition to forming the world’s longest human chain, the event also saw an environmental initiative in which 10 lakh saplings were planted across Karnataka. Participants of the human chain were involved in this planting drive, emphasising the state’s commitment to sustainability and green development.

The event followed on from last year’s celebration, during which the state government had organised a mega event that focused on reading the preamble to the Indian Constitution. This year’s celebration, however, scaled up the participation and introduced new elements to engage the people of Karnataka.

Participants in the human chain will receive certificates from the state government, acknowledging their contribution to this monumental event. The certificates will serve as a memento of their participation in an event that sought to foster a sense of belonging and unity in the democratic fabric of the state.

The Importance of International Day of Democracy

Proclaimed by the United Nations in 2007, the International Day of Democracy is observed annually on September 15. It is a day dedicated to promoting and upholding the principles of democracy across the globe. The day serves as a reminder that democracy is not only about voting and elections but also about the participation and engagement of citizens in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

By organising this event, Karnataka reinforced its commitment to these principles, ensuring that people from all corners of the state could be involved in a collective show of democratic strength.

The human chain event comes at a time when Karnataka is dealing with various social and political challenges, and the event sought to remind citizens of the core values of democracy, equality, and inclusion.