Karnataka on Sunday celebrated 'International Day of Democracy' with a 'historic' 2,500-km-long human chain symbolising equality, unity, fraternity, and participative governance.
The Karnataka government claims the human chain, stretching from Bidar to Chamarajanagar and covering all 31 districts, is the "world's longest."
Organised in collaboration with civil society, the large-scale event saw Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joining the chain at the main gathering in front of Vidhana Soudha, the state's legislative and secretariat building.
Siddaramaiah led the event by reading the preamble of the Constitution, after which participants from diverse backgrounds, including trans people and those with disabilities, held hands to form the chain.
Similar events took place across the state, with Ministers, public representatives, and senior officials participating.
A world record verification team from London is scheduled to arrive to assess the event, which is anticipated to be approximately 2,500 km long and claim the title of "longest in the history of the world."
The government expects around 25 lakh people to join, with an average of more than 1,000 individuals per kilometre. Additionally, participants are set to plant 10 lakh saplings during the event.
Participants will receive certificates, according to officials. Last year, the state organised a mass reading of the Constitution’s preamble to mark the International Day of Democracy.
September 15th has been observed as International Day of Democracy since 2007, as declared by the United Nations, to promote and uphold democratic principles worldwide.
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