“All’s well that ends well,” the age-old adage epitomises the origins of Indian democracy. The strong foundations of Indian democracy can be attributed to the well-laid-out checks and balances in the form of institutions such as the election commission, judiciary, etc. These have ensured the sustenance of a vibrant democracy in the subcontinent when many of its neighbours have succumbed to autocratic military dictatorships.

The groundwork of democracy was laid down by visionary leaders and enlightened civil servants. Abid Hussain belonged to this generation of policymakers, who had strong socialistic leanings. As a foot soldier of the newly independent republic, he had embraced socialistic ideals under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.