August 15, 2022 marked the beginning of India’s 75th year of independence. The year \nwas significant in another way too—as the precursor to elections in 2024. With an \nincumbent government that in the last ten years has undertaken widespread changes, \nsome controversial, how the people will vote in this election points to more than the \nusual selection of representatives to the Parliament: they would also be showing their \napproval for the direction some would like the country to take. \nIs India still a secular, sovereign, democratic country in the same sense as the founding \nfathers of the republic envisaged? How has the country fared on matters of governance? \nDo the economic policies assure a secure future for the people? \nAs P. Chidambaram reminds us, democracy is not just voting once every five years. \nDemocracy has to be practised every day, through dialogue, discussion, debate and \ndissent. \nHis column takes on the issues without flinching or ambiguity. It is an Opposition view, \nbut even discounting party politics, one that provides a valuable perspective. \nAs India prepares for elections, the arguments in The Watershed Year will help clarify \nthe basis for judging which way we want to go.