Kochi: Former Prime Minister I K Gujral said that the weakness of the country's democratic system was that it "is sustained by political parties that are not internally democratic and almost all of them are captives of caucuses or a dynasty".

Indian democracy had moved beyond the drawing rooms of the elite to be a vital mass phenomenon. "At the same time, it is a fact that some of our vital institutions have atrophied," he said inaugurating the 66th Y's Men International Convention.

The aspirations of people on one hand and economic limitations on the other along with the slow pace of social change, sometimes cause 'frustrations' and 'disillusionment' with the system.

"The weakness is that Indian democracy is sustained by political parties that are not internally democratic. Almost all of them are captives of caucuses or a dynasty," he said adding, "Some still project narrow sectarian outlooks and beliefs that negate the very foundation of our polity, leaving limited space for dissent or ideological enquiry."

Independent India, was alone amongst the developing countries in maintaining an unbroken history of democratic rule, he said adding the Indian Constitution accorded special rights and protections to the minorities and the other vulnerable sections of society.

He said a democracy could prosper only if it was rooted in various elements the rule of law, regard to human rights and respect for individual freedoms and liberties.

Expressing optimism, he said that the biannual convention, being held in the country for the first time, would help in elevating the vision of the 21st century to a higher level of humanistic values that might go to make governance more participatory at grass root levels.