India's independent bodies reflect success of democracy: Prez

India has "ferociously independent" constitutional and statutory bodies which reflect the country's success in parliamentary democracy, President Pranab Mukherjee today said.
"That is why our parliamentary system is successful. We cherish it and we celebrate it," Mukherjee said addressing a group of indologists here.
He said that India has complete judicial independence, the Election Commission is "ferociously independent" and there is complete autonomy in institutions like Comptroller and Auditor General of India and Information Commissioners.
The President, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, said officials like Election Commissioners did not come from heaven but were civil servants and once they assume such a post, they become completely independent.

"When our Prime Minister files nomination papers, he has to stand up before a much, much junior officer to affirm his allegiance to the Constitution. This is the power of our democracy," he said.
Earlier, a group of indologists and academics impressed the President with their knowledge of India and its languages that led him to say that their extraordinary commitment and dedication is quite inspiring.

The President was moved by a Russian indologist's speech in Bangla on India's rich history, culture and languages.
"Although you live in Russia, your work ensures that you are always inter-connected with India and her history, culture, heritage, politics and arts. You understand India in a way very few others do. I applaud all of you for your devotion to Indian studies," Mukherjee said.

President also said that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is going to honour a distinguished indologist with an award from this year onwards.