India’s Democracy is a Guiding Force for the World: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

New Delhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that India’s democracy serves as a guiding force for the entire world. Through its rich traditions of dialogue, participation, and constitutional values, India continues to inspire nations globally.

Addressing a distinguished gathering at the historic chamber of the Delhi Legislative Assembly during the release of 89 volumes of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly (1924–1930) and the launch of the first issue of the quarterly journal “Vidhan-Chetna”, Birla emphasized that the true strength of democratic institutions lies in informed dialogue, fact-based discussions, and active public participation.

He stated that preserving and deeply studying India’s parliamentary heritage is essential for strengthening democratic awareness among future generations.

The Lok Sabha Speaker described the historic Delhi Legislative Assembly building as a living symbol of India’s democratic consciousness, parliamentary traditions, and freedom struggle. Recalling its historical significance, he said the building witnessed the formative years of India’s parliamentary democracy and served as a platform where freedom fighters and national leaders strongly voiced constitutional demands for representation, civil rights, and self-governance.

Remembering the immense contribution of Vithalbhai Patel, the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, Birla said Patel laid a strong foundation for parliamentary decorum, impartiality, and the dignity of the Chair. Despite immense pressure during colonial rule, he upheld the autonomy and prestige of the legislative institution.

Birla stressed that only discussions rooted in logic, seriousness, and facts can safeguard the dignity of democratic institutions and strengthen public trust. He added that India’s democratic culture has always been based on dialogue, consensus-building, and thoughtful deliberation. Therefore, Parliament and State Legislatures must continue to remain the supreme platforms representing the aspirations of the people.

Highlighting the role of modern technology in governance and legislative functioning, Birla said that digitization, e-legislatures, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are making policymaking and legislative research more transparent, efficient, and accessible.

On the occasion, the Lok Sabha Speaker formally released the first issue of “Vidhan-Chetna” along with the 89 volumes of the Central Legislative Assembly proceedings. Calling the publication a historic step, he expressed hope that the compilation would serve as a guiding beacon of democratic values and parliamentary traditions for future generations.

He praised the Delhi Legislative Assembly for systematically publishing these rare debates and historical proceedings, saying it fills an important gap in preserving India’s legislative history.

Appreciating the quarterly publication “Vidhan-Chetna”, Birla described it as an important intellectual initiative that would further strengthen parliamentary studies, legislative research, and democratic awareness. He also expressed hope that both the historical proceedings and the journal would be made widely available in digital format for researchers, students, and citizens.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, and Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht among other distinguished guests.