Thiruvananthapuram | Chief Minister of Keralam V D Satheesan on Tuesday said that democratic values across the world were facing new challenges and urged everyone to uphold truth and protect liberty.

He made the remarks in a post on 'X' while extending his greetings on the occasion of International Day of Democracy and called for reaffirming the commitment to the values that lie at the heart of the Indian Republic.

Democracy was not just an exercise of an electoral mandate, but "an enduring commitment to pluralism, equality, dignity and justice".

It is sustained by strong institutions, an informed citizenry and the freedom to question, participate and be heard, he added.

"At a time when democratic values across the world face new challenges, we must renew our faith in the foundational idea of India- an India strengthened by its diversity, anchored in secularism and constitutionalism, and united through the spirit of federal cooperation."

"Our Constitution entrusts each generation with the responsibility of safeguarding these ideals. Let us continue to uphold truth, protect liberty, strengthen democratic institutions and ensure that justice and dignity remain unconditional rights of every individual," he said.