Bengaluru: In a remarkable display of unity and participatory governance, Karnataka on Sunday celebrated the International Day of Democracy by organizing a monumental 2,500-km-long human chain, touted to be the "longest in the world." This massive event, stretching from Bidar in the north to Chamarajanagar in the south, spanned all 31 districts of the state.

The initiative, led by the Karnataka government, aimed to symbolize core democratic values such as equality, fraternity, and inclusivity. With active involvement from school and college students, civil society members, and government officials, the event captured the essence of democracy in action.

The highlight of the day took place in Bengaluru, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, flanked by senior ministers and officials, joined the human chain in front of the iconic Vidhana Soudha. The CM began the event by leading the participants in reading the preamble of the Indian Constitution. The chain included people from all walks of life, including transgender individuals and the differently-abled, reinforcing the theme of inclusivity.

Across the state, similar gatherings were held, with local ministers, public representatives, and district officials taking part. The event's scale was unprecedented, and a team from London arrived to verify what could soon become a new world record for the longest human chain ever formed.

According to government sources, the human chain involved an estimated 25 lakh participants, with more than 1,000 people forming each kilometre. Additionally, the celebration had an environmental focus, with participants expected to plant 10 lakh saplings across the state, promoting sustainability alongside democratic ideals.

This event marks the second year of Karnataka’s grand celebrations of the International Day of Democracy, following last year’s mass reading of the Constitution's preamble. Since 2007, the day has been observed globally, having been declared by the United Nations as a time to reflect on and promote democratic principles worldwide.

With its combination of record-setting participation and a focus on inclusion and governance, Karnataka's celebration of democracy has set a new benchmark, not just for the state, but for the entire country.