Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday described legislatures as “schools of democracy” where lawmakers learn the values of dialogue, discipline, consensus and public service, asserting that democracy is sustained not merely by constitutional provisions but by public trust, dignity and a spirit of service.
Addressing the inaugural session of ‘Legislative Pride Journey: A Gathering of Former and Current Members’, organised as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, LS Speaker Birla called upon legislators to uphold democratic values, maintain the dignity of legislative institutions and remain committed to informed and constructive public discourse.
Highlighting the responsibilities of elected representatives, the Lok Sabha Speaker said lawmakers must remain conscious of their obligations towards the people. He stressed that democracy flourishes through dialogue, mutual respect and accountability, rather than constitutional provisions alone.
Referring to legislatures as institutions that shape public leadership, LS Speaker Birla said they are not merely law-making bodies but centres where representatives learn the principles of dialogue, discipline, consensus-building and service to society.
Recalling his own political journey, the Lok Sabha Speaker described the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly as the “first school” of his public life. He said the democratic values, parliamentary traditions and legislative conduct he imbibed in the House guided his journey from a student activist to a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament and eventually the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
LS Speaker Birla said the Assembly taught him that attentive listening and healthy debate strengthen democracy and shape history, while personal differences weaken democratic institutions. Every debate and every word spoken inside the House, he observed, becomes a permanent part of the nation’s democratic history.
Congratulating the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on completing 75 years, LS Speaker Birla said the state’s democratic traditions extend far beyond the Assembly’s history and are deeply rooted in India’s ancient culture of dialogue, consultation and participatory governance. He noted that the traditions of Sabha and Samiti, local self-governance and public participation have long been integral to Rajasthan’s political and social fabric through Panchayats and representative institutions.
Highlighting the Assembly’s contribution over the past seven and a half decades, the Lok Sabha Speaker said it has played a vital role in advancing social justice, public welfare and inclusive development through landmark legislation, meaningful debates and visionary policymaking.
He also described the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly building as a symbol of democratic confidence and constitutional values and paid tribute to former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat for his vision and leadership in the construction of the present Assembly complex.
Speaking on India’s democratic credentials, LS Speaker Birla said the country is today recognised globally not only as the world’s largest democracy but also as one of its most vibrant. Parliament and state legislatures together form the foundation of India’s democratic framework, he said, adding that a strong Parliament depends on vibrant, active and dignified state legislatures, just as a strong nation is built upon strong states.
Offering guidance to young legislators, the Lok Sabha Speaker urged them to cultivate habits of continuous study, attentive listening and meaningful participation in legislative proceedings. He said people remember a legislator’s conduct more than the positions they hold, and only a well-prepared and well-informed representative can effectively articulate the aspirations of the people.
LS Speaker Birla advised members to rely on facts, logic and constructive debate instead of rhetoric, observing that public life demands credibility, integrity and sustained engagement with society. Politics, he said, ultimately exists for public service and nation-building.
Drawing upon his own experience as Lok Sabha Speaker, he underlined the importance of preserving the dignity of the Chair and respecting parliamentary traditions. Recalling advice he received during his early days as Speaker, he said maintaining the dignity of the office is essential for the smooth functioning of legislative institutions.
While spirited debates remain the hallmark of democracy, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, the decorum of the House must always be preserved. Every discussion and intervention in the legislature becomes part of history and serves as an inspiration for future generations, he added.
Emphasising the need to modernise legislative institutions, LS Speaker Birla advocated digital preservation of legislative debates and proceedings to strengthen institutional memory and improve parliamentary research. Easy digital access to legislative records, he said, would enable future lawmakers to learn from the experiences and deliberations of their predecessors while enhancing legislative functioning.
He also called upon legislatures to embrace technological advancements while preserving their rich democratic traditions.
As India moves through the Amrit Kaal, LS Speaker Birla urged legislators to uphold the highest democratic ideals and ensure that legislatures continue to function as institutions of dialogue, dignity, sensitivity and accountability. He expressed confidence that the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly would continue to strengthen democratic traditions and remain a source of inspiration for legislative institutions across the country.
The event was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully, Members of Parliament, former MPs, ministers, serving and former MLAs, and other dignitaries.
