Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday hosted a lunch in honour of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth countries at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi, underscoring the shared responsibility of safeguarding democratic traditions through dialogue marked by decorum and dignity.
The lunch was organised on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), being held in India from January 14 to 16. Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, the Vice-President said it was a privilege to host parliamentary leaders from across the Commonwealth at Samvidhan Sadan, which he described as a symbol of India’s vibrant parliamentary democracy over more than seven decades.
Radhakrishnan observed that despite differences in geography, culture and historical experience, Commonwealth nations remain united by a common parliamentary ethos and a collective commitment to democratic principles and values. He stressed that facilitating debate and discussion with dignity and restraint, even amid diverse viewpoints, is a shared and primary responsibility of Presiding Officers.
Highlighting their constitutional role, the Vice-President said Presiding Officers serve as the ultimate guardians of the dignity of legislatures and the voice of the people, entrusted with maintaining a balance between free expression and orderly conduct in legislative chambers.
Referring to India’s democratic legacy, he described the country as the “Mother of Democracy” and said India views the Commonwealth not merely as a historical association but as a forward-looking platform for cooperation among equal partners. Forums such as CSPOC, he added, provide valuable opportunities for sharing institutional wisdom, best practices and experiences that strengthen legislatures by enhancing resilience, transparency and inclusiveness.
The Vice-President also drew attention to the Indian tradition of Sahabhojan (community dining), noting its symbolic significance in fostering equality, fraternity and a sense of kinship. Invoking the Sanskrit prayer “Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu” – may all beings everywhere be happy and free – he reaffirmed the collective commitment of Commonwealth legislatures to work for the welfare of their people.
Expressing confidence that interactions during CSPOC 2026 would further strengthen parliamentary ties and mutual understanding, Radhakrishnan extended warm wishes to the visiting dignitaries and hoped their visit to India would be productive and memorable.
The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Dr Tulia Ackson, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Dr Christopher Kalila, senior parliamentary officials, and Speakers and Presiding Officers from across the Commonwealth.
