Renowned Sociology Professor Salvatore Babones: India´s Democracy and Religious Freedom

The renowned Dr Salvatore Babones, the American professor of sosiology at the University of Sydney, Australia, is Jan-Aage´s guest on Insight with Pastor Torp.

His research of India´s democracy led to the release in 2025 of his book «Dharma Democracy» which argues that India's political system is best understood not through Western liberal democratic frameworks, but as a «dharma democracy»—a model that synthesizes the ancient Indian principle of dharma (specifically rashtra dharma, or collective duty to the nation) with modern democratic institutions. He contends that this cultural synthesis, rather than formal state structures alone, defines the character of the world's largest democracy.

Jsn-Aage asks him specifically about India´s supposed lack of religious freedom, and Dr Salvatore has much to say which counters the negative message of Western institutions about India.