New Delhi, Aug 25: The Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, Monday reiterated the call for the early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the importance of democratic institutions in fulfilling the aspirations of its people.
Speaking to the media on the side-lines of the All India Speakers’ Conference in New Delhi, Rather recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance on the matter, stating, “The Prime Minister himself has assured that Jammu and Kashmir will be granted statehood very soon.”
He added, “Democratic institutions are vital for fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the restoration of statehood will further strengthen that faith in democracy.”
Earlier, delivering his address at the conference on the theme “India – The Mother of Democracy,” the J&K Speaker highlighted India’s ancient democratic traditions, cultural foundations of dialogue and pluralism, and its remarkable journey as the world’s largest democracy.
The Speaker emphasized that democracy in India was not a borrowed idea but deeply rooted in its civilizational ethos. Citing references from the Rig Veda and the Upanishads, he noted that collective decision-making, freedom of thought, and public participation were practiced in India thousands of years before the modern world embraced these values.
“The idea that India is the mother of democracy is not just a poetic phrase; it is a historical fact backed by ancient evidences,” he observed.
Tracing India’s democratic journey, he said, “In 1950, when India adopted its Constitution, it became the largest democracy in the world – not by force, but by choice. Despite poverty, illiteracy, and immense diversity, India chose universal adult franchise, a bold and unprecedented step that gave every citizen, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or background, the power to vote. That is the soul of our democracy.”
The Speaker further stressed that India’s diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
“With over 900 million voters, thousands of political parties, and multiple languages, religions, and ideologies, India today stands as a beacon of democracy, diversity, and resilience.”
Acknowledging that challenges remain, he urged collective responsibility to ensure equal opportunities, quality education, healthcare, and justice for all.
“Being the mother of democracy is not just a title – it is a responsibility. Freedom of speech, the right to vote, and equal rights are not just privileges, but duties we owe to our country and its future,” he asserted.
Calling upon legislators across the country, Rather said, “As custodians of legislative forums, we must rise to the responsibility of not only preserving democracy but also elevating it. Let this conference be not just a meeting of minds, but a movement for democratic renewal.”
Adding the Speaker remarked, “India did not borrow democracy – India gave it to the world, a gift from our ancestors, polished by time and protected by generations. Let us honour this legacy by living its values every day.”
The Conference was attended by the Speakers/ Dy Speakers and Secretaries of all the State / UT Legislative Assemblies.
Amit Shah, Union Home Minister gave inaugural address. Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla; Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju; Dy Chairman Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, Lt Governor and Chief Minister of Delhi also attended the conference.
The Speaker is accompanied by Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Manoj Pandita.
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