Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla delivered the inaugural address at the 'Legislative Pride Journey: A Gathering of Former and Current Members' event in Jaipur on July 15, 2026, organized as part of the Amrit Mahotsav commemorating the 75th anniversary of Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha.
Birla defined legislatures as not merely law-making institutions but 'schools of democracy' where lawmakers learn the values of dialogue, discipline, consensus, and service. He emphasized that democracy is sustained not merely by constitutional provisions but by public trust, dialogue, dignity, and a spirit of service. The Speaker described Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha as the 'first school' of his public life, noting that the democratic values and legislative conduct he learned there shaped his journey from student activist to MLA, MP, and ultimately Lok Sabha Speaker.
Birla highlighted that listening and healthy debate enrich democracy and shape history, while personal differences diminish it. He stated that every debate and word spoken in the House becomes a lasting part of democratic history. The Speaker congratulated the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha on completing 75 years of democratic journey, noting that the state's democratic consciousness extends beyond the Assembly's history and remains rooted in India's ancient traditions of dialogue, consultation, and participatory governance through institutions like Sabha and Samiti.
The Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized that Parliament and State Legislatures together constitute the bedrock of India's democratic framework, with the strength of Parliament depending entirely upon vibrant, active, and dignified State Legislatures. He presented a roadmap for young legislators, advising them to cultivate continuous study, attentive listening, and meaningful participation in proceedings. Birla stressed that people remember conduct rather than positions, and only well-prepared, well-informed legislators can effectively represent public aspirations.
Drawing from his experience, Birla stressed the importance of maintaining the dignity of the Chair and respecting parliamentary traditions, noting that while spirited debates are the hallmark of democracy, the decorum of the House must always be preserved. He advocated for digital preservation of debates and proceedings so future lawmakers can learn from predecessors' experiences, which would strengthen institutional memory and enrich parliamentary research.
The event was attended by Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Shri Vasudev Devnani, Deputy Chief Ministers Smt. Diya Kumari and Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Jogaram Patel, and Leader of the Opposition Shri Tikaram Jully, along with several MPs, former MPs, Rajasthan Government ministers, and serving and former MLAs.
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