Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday emphasised that agreement and disagreement are two sides of the same coin in a healthy and vibrant democracy, calling for dissent to be welcomed and respected as a vital catalyst for fresh perspectives, addressing administrative blind spots and promoting better governance.
He underscored that, irrespective of political, party or ideological differences, the overarching commitment of all public representatives must remain the continued progress of the State and the nation.
Birla made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the ‘Janpratinidhi Sammelan’, organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha at Panchkula on November 2 as part of the Samvidhan Pakhwada Programme.
Addressing serving and former members of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, along with former ministers, he reflected on Haryana’s six-decade journey of growth, socio-economic resilience and leadership across multiple sectors, placing the State’s achievements within the framework of India’s constitutional values and democratic ethos.
Haryana’s Contribution to National Progress
Reflecting on the State’s evolution over the past sixty years, Birla observed that Haryana has consistently remained at the forefront of national progress despite numerous historical and administrative challenges.
Drawing parallels with the timeless message of karma enshrined in the Bhagavad Gita, he lauded the farming community for pioneering the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, enhancing crop yields and contributing significantly to the country’s food security.
He also praised Haryana’s youth serving in the armed forces for their exemplary valour in safeguarding the nation’s borders and internal security. He commended the State’s sportspersons for consistently enhancing India’s stature on the global sporting stage.
Constitutional Values and the Resilence of Democracy
Highlighting the inclusive and deliberative nature of India’s constitutional journey, Birla noted that the Constituent Assembly, under the guidance of the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and with the participation of distinguished leaders from different regions, including Haryana and Punjab, laid the foundations of a cohesive parliamentary democracy amid immense linguistic, cultural and religious diversity.
He emphasised that the survival and flourishing of India’s diverse federal polity stand as a global testament to the resilience of its democracy.
“Our Constitution is not merely a framework for running the government; it is the soul of India, reflecting our national consciousness and the aspirations of crores of people,” he said.
Public Service Beyond Legislative Tenure
Birla emphasised that the commitment to public service does not end with the completion of one’s tenure in the Legislature. He urged lawmakers to regard governance and administration primarily as instruments of grassroots empowerment rather than merely administrative mechanisms.
He stated that the ultimate measure of political and social life lies in bringing tangible socio-economic transformation and genuine happiness to the lives of the most vulnerable sections of society—the last person in the queue.
Birla also appreciated the Haryana Legislative Assembly for setting an exemplary benchmark over its six-decade parliamentary journey through high-quality debates, reasoned dialogue and adherence to legislative dignity.
He noted that the Assembly has served as an inspiration for legislative bodies across the country, demonstrating that democratic institutions become stronger when they remain firmly rooted in public welfare and institutional accountability.
Senior Haryana Leaders Attend Sammelan
The event was also attended by Chief Minister of Haryana Nayab Singh Saini; Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Harvinder Kalyan; Leader of the Opposition in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Bhupinder Singh Hooda; Parliamentary Affairs Minister of Haryana Mahipal Dhanda; and Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Dr. Krishan Lal Middha.
-PIB Inputs
