Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the inaugural ceremony of the silver jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building, which was inaugurated by Goa Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Birla emphasized that strong democracies are built on dialogue, diverse views, and meaningful public participation, noting that legislatures serve as forums for discussion, debate, and exchange of diverse views. He stated that democracy becomes stronger when there is space for both agreement and disagreement and when diverse perspectives are incorporated into the legislative process.
Birla highlighted India's growing global stature, attributing it to the country's democratic experience and commitment to constitutional values. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is contributing to solving global challenges while drawing from the civilizational ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. The Speaker stressed that democratic strength must ultimately reflect in how people's expectations are translated into policies, laws, and effective governance, with special responsibility on elected representatives in smaller states like Goa where close citizen-representative interaction exists.
The Lok Sabha Speaker called for greater technology adoption to enhance public understanding of legislative processes through improved access to information about rules, laws, policies, debates, and committee work. He advocated for healthy competition among state legislatures in adopting innovations and sharing best practices in technology, legislative procedures, and institutional reforms. Birla also emphasized the importance of youth participation in democratic institutions, noting that India's youth are at the forefront of technology, education, research, and innovation, and their involvement would contribute to better policy formulation.
Birla acknowledged Goa's distinctive identity encompassing natural beauty, coastline, rich cultural heritage, and harmonious way of life. He congratulated present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Assembly Members who contributed to Goa's socio-economic development over 25 years. The Speaker noted that Goa has successfully balanced economic development promoting industry, trade, tourism, and education with preservation of its heritage and natural environment, establishing a distinct position in these fields while maintaining dignity and quality of life for its citizens.
Looking forward, Birla urged the Goa Legislative Assembly to prepare a 25-year roadmap aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, with maximum participation of citizens, youth, and women. He emphasized that the next 25 years should focus on making democratic institutions stronger, more accessible, accountable, responsive, and results-oriented, with greater public participation making these institutions more accountable to citizens. The event also featured the release of 'Customised My Stamp and Special Cover with Special Cancellation' of the Goa Legislative Assembly and Secretariat Building, and felicitation of eminent personalities, with addresses by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar, Minister for Legislative Affairs Mauvin Godinho, and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.