Karnataka marked the ‘International Day of Democracy’ on Sunday by organizing a 2,500-km-long human chain to symbolize equality, unity, fraternity, and participative governance. This large-scale event was significant, claiming to be the “world’s longest” human chain.
Formation of the Human Chain
The human chain spanned across Karnataka, stretching from Bidar to Chamarajanagar and covering all 31 districts. According to government estimates, around 25 lakh people participated, with an average of over 1,000 people per kilometer. The event involved a diverse group of participants, including transgenders and differently-abled individuals.
Key Participants and Main Event
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led the human chain, along with senior ministers and officials, in the main event held in front of Vidhana Soudha, the state’s legislative and secretariat hub. The CM read out the Preamble of the Constitution, setting the tone for the event. Public representatives, officials, and citizens in other districts joined in similar events.
World Record and Global Recognition
The Karnataka government aimed to achieve a world record with this initiative. A world record verification team from London was invited to oversee the event, as the 2,500-km human chain was set to become the longest in history. Participants were given certificates to commemorate their involvement in this historic event.
Environmental Initiative
In addition to the human chain, the state organized an environmental drive during the event. 10 lakh saplings were planted by the participants across Karnataka, aligning the event with sustainability goals.
Previous Celebrations and Global Significance
The state has consistently marked the International Day of Democracy with significant events. Last year, the Karnataka government organized a mass reading of the Constitution’s preamble to celebrate the day. Globally, September 15th is celebrated as the International Day of Democracy, proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) since 2007 to promote democratic principles.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the length of the human chain formed in Karnataka to mark the ‘International Day of Democracy’?
- a) 1,500 km
- b) 2,500 km
- c) 3,000 km
- d) 500 km
Answer: b) 2,500 km
- Who led the human chain event in Karnataka on the ‘International Day of Democracy’?
- a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- b) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
- c) Governor of Karnataka
- d) Home Minister of India
Answer: b) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
- What significant pledge did participants in the human chain take during the event?
- a) National Anthem
- b) Preamble of the Constitution
- c) Environmental Oath
- d) Human Rights Declaration
Answer: b) Preamble of the Constitution
- How many saplings were expected to be planted during the event?
- a) 1 lakh
- b) 5 lakh
- c) 10 lakh
- d) 15 lakh
Answer: c) 10 lakh
- Since which year has September 15th been celebrated as the International Day of Democracy?
- a) 1999
- b) 2007
- c) 2015
- d) 2020
Answer: b) 2007