India — A Living Example of Democracy and Equality, Says Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addresses delegates at the General Assembly of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Barbados on Saturday.
New Delhi/Barbados, October 11: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday described India’s democratic journey as a “living example of the spirit of democracy and equality”, asserting that the Constitution has been the nation’s guiding beacon for the past 75 years. Addressing delegates at the General Assembly of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) on the theme “The Commonwealth – A Global Partner”, Birla underlined India’s commitment to inclusive governance, global cooperation, and sustainable development.
The Speaker also extended an invitation to all Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Parliaments to attend the next Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), scheduled to be held in New Delhi from January 7 to 9, 2026.
India’s Democratic Strength and Global Responsibility
“Democracy is India’s soul, equality its resolve, and justice its identity,” Birla said, noting that the country’s democratic ethos is deeply rooted in its ancient traditions of dialogue, consensus, and collective decision-making.
He reminded delegates that the Indian Constitution continues to inspire unity in diversity, guiding the nation through 75 years of inclusive governance. “The spirit of Indian democracy is an inheritance from our ancient civilization and village panchayat system,” he added, emphasizing the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the idea that “the world is one family.”
Call for Collective Global Action
Birla urged world leaders to respond jointly to shared global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, and inequality, noting that “these crises transcend borders and cannot be solved in isolation.”
Highlighting India’s role in advancing sustainable solutions, he said, “India has become the first major country to achieve the Paris Agreement climate goals ahead of schedule.” He also referred to flagship global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as examples of India’s leadership in environmental responsibility.
Partnering for Food and Health Security
Recounting India’s journey from being food-dependent to a global contributor, Birla said, “India is a reliable partner for global food and nutrition security.” He recalled how the country supplied medicines and vaccines to over 150 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating that “health is a right, not a privilege.”
“India’s evolution from scarcity to self-reliance reflects its resilience and its commitment to share with the world,” he added.
Empowering Women and Youth
The Speaker highlighted India’s progress in women’s political empowerment, pointing out that over 1.4 million of the 3.1 million elected representatives in rural Panchayati Raj institutions are women.
He also emphasized the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which provides one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, marking a transformative step in gender equality. “Our democracy gives equal opportunity to every citizen—youth, women, and marginalized groups alike,” he said.
Technology as a Tool for Transparency
Birla underscored the potential of Artificial Intelligence and digital platforms in strengthening democracy, while cautioning against their misuse. “Technology must serve humanity, not control it,” he said, calling for the establishment of global standards that encourage innovation while safeguarding ethical boundaries.
Shared Values, Shared Future
Describing the Commonwealth as “a family bound by shared history and democratic values,” Birla said that despite differences in language, culture, and geography, the nations remain united by the ideals of freedom, human dignity, and democracy.
“The citizens of the Commonwealth are all illuminated by the same lamp of democracy,” he observed, adding that India remains committed to playing an active and constructive role in the global democratic partnership.
