Listening, healthy debate enrich democracy: Birla

Jaipur, Jul 15: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Wednesday stated that legislatures are not merely law-making institutions, but “schools of democracy” where lawmakers learn the values of dialogue, discipline, consensus, and service.
Highlighting the role and duties of lawmakers, he observed that they should clearly realize their obligations toward the people, as democracy is sustained not merely by constitutional provisions, but by public trust, dialogue, dignity, and a spirit of service.
He made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the ‘Legislative Pride Journey: A Gathering of Former and Current Members’, organized as part of the Amrit Mahotsav commemorating the 75th anniversary of Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha.
Describing Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha as the “first school” of his public life, Birla noted that the democratic values, parliamentary traditions, and legislative conduct he imbibed in the House shaped his journey from a student activist to a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Member of Parliament (MP), and ultimately, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He recalled learning the true essence of parliamentary democracy within the Vidhan Sabha: that while listening and healthy debate enrich democracy and shape history, personal differences only diminish it. He emphasized that every debate and every word spoken in the House ultimately becomes a lasting part of democratic history.
Congratulating Vidhan Sabha on completing 75 years of its democratic journey, Birla observed that the state’s democratic consciousness extends far beyond the history of the Assembly itself, remaining deeply rooted in India’s ancient traditions of dialogue, consultation, and participatory governance. He noted that the traditions of Sabha and Samiti, local self-governance, and public participation have remained integral to Rajasthan’s social and political ethos, sustained through its Panchayats and representative institutions.
Emphasizing India’s democratic strength, Birla observed that the world today recognizes the nation not only as the largest democracy but also as the most vibrant one. He stated that Parliament and State Legislatures together constitute the bedrock of India’s democratic framework, adding that the strength of Parliament depends entirely upon vibrant, active, and dignified State Legislatures, just as the strength of the nation is built upon its States.
Presenting a roadmap for young legislators, he advised them to cultivate the habit of continuous study, attentive listening, and meaningful participation in legislative proceedings. He reminded them that people remember conduct rather than positions, and that only a well-prepared, well-informed legislator can effectively represent public aspirations. He urged Members to rely on facts, logic, and constructive debate rather than rhetoric, observing that public life demands credibility, integrity, and constant engagement with society. He also reminded legislators that politics ultimately exists for public service and nation-building.
Drawing from his own legislative experience, Birla stressed the importance of maintaining the dignity of the Chair and respecting parliamentary traditions. In this regard, Shri Birla recalled his experience during his initial days as Lok Sabha Speaker when he was advised by a senior member to refrain from rising from the Chair to protect its dignity. He observed that while spirited debates are the hallmark of democracy, the decorum of the House must always be preserved. He remarked that every debate, discussion, and intervention becomes part of history and continues to inspire future generations. The more a legislator studies and listens, he said, the more meaningful and impactful their contribution to parliamentary discourse becomes.
Highlighting the need to modernize legislative institutions, Birla advocated for the digital preservation of debates and proceedings so that future lawmakers can learn from the experiences and deliberations of their predecessors. He observed that easy digital access to legislative records would strengthen institutional memory, enrich parliamentary research, and contribute to better legislative functioning. He also called for legislatures to continuously adapt to changing times by embracing technology while preserving their rich democratic traditions.
Calling upon legislators to uphold the highest democratic ideals during India’s Amrit Kaal, Birla said legislatures must continue to remain institutions of dialogue, dignity, sensitivity, and accountability. He expressed confidence that the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly would continue to scale new heights in democratic functioning and remain a source of inspiration for legislative institutions across the country.