New Delhi : Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla stated today that India’s democracy serves as a guiding light for the world and continues to inspire nations through its deep-rooted traditions of dialogue, participation, and constitutional values.
Addressing a distinguished gathering at a function to release 89 volumes of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly (1924–1930) and launch the inaugural issue of the quarterly magazine Vidhan-Chetna at the historic chamber of the Delhi Legislative Assembly in New Delhi today, he emphasized that democratic institutions derive their true strength from informed dialogue, fact-based discussions, and active public participation. He further observed that preserving and studying India’s parliamentary heritage is essential for strengthening democratic consciousness among future generations.
Lok Sabha Speaker noted that the Delhi Legislative Assembly building stands as a living symbol and glorious legacy of India’s democratic consciousness, parliamentary traditions, and freedom movement. Recalling the historic significance of the Vidhan Sabha Complex, he observed that 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.
Recalling the contributions of Shri Vithalbhai Patel, the first Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, Shri Birla said that he laid a strong foundation for parliamentary propriety, impartiality, and the dignity of the Chair. Despite immense pressure during the colonial period, Shri Patel upheld the autonomy and prestige of the institution—a contribution that will continue to inspire Presiding Officers and legislators across the country.
Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized that only dialogue and discussions rooted in logic, seriousness, and facts can preserve the dignity of democratic institutions and maintain public trust. He stated that India’s democratic culture has always been based on discussion, consensus, and meaningful deliberation, and that Parliament and state legislatures must continue to remain the highest forums representing the aspirations of the people.
Highlighting the role of technology in governance and legislative functioning, Shri Birla stated that digitization, e-legislatures, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are making policymaking and legislative research more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
Marking this historic occasion, Shri Birla formally unveiled the 89 volumes of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly along with the inaugural issue of Vidhan-Chetna. Describing the publication of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly as a landmark initiative, he expressed hope that the compilation would serve as a guiding beacon of democratic values and parliamentary traditions for future generations. He observed that the Delhi Legislative Assembly has filled an important gap in preserving India’s legislative history through the systematic publication of these rare debates and proceedings.
Referring to the launch of the magazine Vidhan-Chetna, Shri Birla described the quarterly publication as a significant intellectual initiative that will strengthen parliamentary studies, legislative research, and democratic awareness. He noted that such efforts will not only enhance the intellectual capacity of elected representatives but also provide a fresh direction to democratic discourse and civic consciousness. He expressed hope that both the historic proceedings and Vidhan-Chetna would be made widely available in digital formats for researchers, students, and citizens. He appreciated the Delhi Legislative Assembly for undertaking this historic initiative to preserve India’s parliamentary heritage and infuse new energy into democratic consciousness.
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju; Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Vijender Gupta; Delhi Minister Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh and Delhi Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Shri Mohan Singh Bisht were also present at the event.
