India’s democracy continues to guide the world through its deep-rooted traditions of dialogue, participation and constitutional values, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Thursday while stressing the need to preserve the country’s parliamentary legacy for future generations.
Addressing a gathering during the release of 89 volumes of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly (1924–1930) and the launch of the inaugural issue of quarterly magazine ‘Vidhan-Chetna’ at the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Birla said democratic institutions derive strength from informed dialogue, fact-based debates and active public participation. He noted that preserving and studying India’s parliamentary heritage is essential for strengthening democratic consciousness among future generations.
Birla described the Delhi Legislative Assembly building as a living symbol of India’s democratic consciousness, parliamentary traditions and freedom movement. Recalling the historic significance of the Vidhan Sabha Complex, he said the building witnessed the formative years of India’s parliamentary democracy and served as a platform where freedom fighters and national leaders raised constitutional demands for representation, rights and self-governance.
Paying tribute to Vithalbhai Patel, the first Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, Birla said Patel laid a strong foundation for parliamentary propriety, impartiality and the dignity of the Chair. He added that despite immense pressure during the colonial period, Patel upheld the autonomy and prestige of the institution, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire legislators and presiding officers across the country.
The Lok Sabha Speaker underlined that discussions rooted in logic, seriousness and facts are essential to preserve the dignity of democratic institutions and maintain public trust. He said India’s democratic culture has always been based on discussion, consensus and meaningful deliberation, and Parliament and state legislatures must continue to remain the highest forums representing people’s aspirations.
Highlighting the growing role of technology in governance and legislative functioning, Birla said digitisation, e-legislatures and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence are making policymaking and legislative research more transparent, efficient and accessible.
Calling the publication of the Central Legislative Assembly proceedings a landmark initiative, Birla expressed hope that the compilation would serve as a guiding beacon of democratic values and parliamentary traditions for future generations. He also described ‘Vidhan-Chetna’ as an important intellectual initiative that would strengthen parliamentary studies, legislative research and democratic awareness.
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh and Delhi Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht were also present at the event.
