New Delhi, June 30: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has conveyed heartfelt greetings to citizens, representatives, and democratic institutions worldwide on the occasion of International Parliamentary Day. In a post shared on the social media platform X, he described Parliament as the soul of democracy and the highest expression of people’s aspirations, rights, and trust.
Birla stated, “Parliament is the supreme expression of the people’s aspirations, rights, and trust, where ideas are debated, policies are formulated, and the future direction of the nation is determined. A strong, independent, and accountable Parliament is the true power of democracy and the greatest guardian of citizens’ rights.”
He emphasized that as the world’s largest democracy, India’s Parliament has always empowered the spirit of the Constitution, democratic traditions, and the glorious legacy of representation. In a country rich in diversity, Parliament serves as a platform for national unity, social harmony, and constitutional values, ensuring that every region, class, and citizen’s voice is heard.
Birla noted, “Today, the role of Parliament is not limited to legislative functions; it also includes ensuring government accountability, encouraging meaningful discussions on public interest issues, maintaining the dignity of democratic institutions, and balancing citizens’ rights and duties.”
He added, “International Parliamentary Day provides us with an opportunity to strengthen the soul of democracy—dialogue, consensus, accountability, transparency, and constitutional norms.”
It is noteworthy that International Parliamentary Day is celebrated annually on June 30, marking the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889. In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared it International Parliamentary Day, aimed at highlighting the role of parliaments in strengthening democracy, good governance, and human rights worldwide.
The IPU is considered a global platform for the world’s parliaments, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with over 180 national parliaments as members. This organization works to strengthen democracy, promote dialogue and diplomacy, encourage peace and cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of experiences among parliaments.
As the world’s largest democracy, India is an active member of the IPU and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The CPA India Region includes 32 parliamentary and legislative branches, making it the largest member region after Africa. The CPA India Region is divided into nine administrative zones, aimed at strengthening parliamentary democracy, good governance, dialogue, and legislative cooperation.
International Parliamentary Day reflects the role of parliaments worldwide and underscores the importance of democratic values and representation. It also provides a significant opportunity to strengthen the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.7—’ensuring responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.’
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