India’s strength as a democracy is rooted in its diverse communities, democratic institutions and processes, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 28th conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) on Thursday.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the conference at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi. It will be chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and will feature 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments.
“When India gained Independence, many doubted whether democracy could survive amidst the country’s immense diversity. However, this very diversity became the strength of Indian democracy,” he said.
“There was also scepticism that even if democracy did take root, India would struggle to progress. Contrary to these doubts, India has demonstrated that democratic institutions and processes provide stability, scale, and speed to its development,” he added, and gave the analogy of a large tree, which represents the Indian democracy, and it being supported by the tree’s deep roots.
Also Read: Indian Army symbolises selfless service: PM Modi
The prime minister said in India, democracy means “last mile delivery”, with the country having a long-standing tradition of debate, dialogue and collective decision-making.
Raising concerns of the Global South, the PM said India places the bloc’s priorities on every global platform.
“During its G20 Presidency as well, India placed the priorities of the Global South at the centre of the global agenda,” he said.
About 60 speakers and presiding officers are attending the event that’s being held at the Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House complex from January 14 to 16.
Among the topics being deliberated upon are the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on Members of Parliament, innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizen participation beyond voting.
Follow us
