DIALOGUES OF DEMOCRACY: INTERPERSONAL AND MEDIA-DRIVEN COMMUNICATION IN INDIA'S PUBLIC SPHERE

India's democratic ethos has always thrived on conversation-between rulers and citizens, communities and institutions, and increasingly between individuals and media systems.From ancient sabhas to WhatsApp groups, communication remains the heartbeat of India's democratic culture.This paper explores how interpersonal communication, community dialogues, traditional media, and digital platforms collectively shape India's public sphere.It examines how everyday conversations, mediated debates, and networked publics influence political participation, civic engagement, and democratic values.The study combines theoretical frameworks with real-world illustrations from India's diverse communication ecosystems, highlighting both the opportunities and threats that arise when democracy meets digital disruption.The findings suggest that a participatory and dialogic culture-supported by media literacy, inclusive platforms, and ethical communication norms-is essential for sustaining a vibrant democratic public sphere.