Janpratinidhi Sammelan organised under Samvidhan Pakhwada
Agreement and disagreement are the strengths of democracy; dissent must also be respected: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
Haryana stands at the forefront of development despite numerous challenges and difficulties during its 60-year journey: Om Birla
Chandigarh,
Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla said that in a democracy, differences in opinions and perspectives are natural, and there can be both agreement and disagreement. However, dissent must also be respected. He said that dissent provides direction, offers a vision and inspires people to work. Despite differences of opinion, everyone must make collective efforts to take the country and the state forward. He added that running the government is a responsibility, but public service is an even greater responsibility.
Sh. Om Birla was addressing the inaugural session of the Janpratinidhi Sammelan organised under the Samvidhan Pakhwada by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha at Indradhanush Auditorium in Panchkula on Monday. Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Leader of Opposition Sh. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Dr. Krishan Middha, along with Ministers and MLAs, were present on the occasion. The Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the conference by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Om Birla said that the land of Haryana has always been a land of action and hard work. The land of Lord Shri Krishna gave the message of karma through the Bhagavad Gita. Farmers, labourers, youth, entrepreneurs and sportspersons from this land have excelled in every field. He said that despite numerous challenges and difficulties during its 60-year journey, Haryana stands among the leading states in development, and this has been made possible by the Constitution.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said that the Constitution of India is not only a guiding document for the country but also serves as a guiding light for democratic nations across the world. The Constitution has carried forward India's democratic traditions. He paid tribute to the makers of the Constitution, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, all members of the Constituent Assembly and eminent personalities from the Haryana-Punjab region who contributed to the Constituent Assembly.
He said that the Constitution continues to guide all of us in a living and dynamic manner. It is not merely a framework for running the government but the very soul of India. It reflects the country's national consciousness as well as the aspirations and expectations of millions of people. The Constitution provides guidance in every perspective and every thought of our lives.
Sh. Om Birla said that when the Constitution was being drafted, members of the Constituent Assembly expressed their respective opinions and views, and after disagreements and extensive discussions, the Constitution took shape. Following Independence, the country faced numerous difficulties and challenges. Integrating different states, establishing a political system and adopting parliamentary democracy were major challenges. Despite diversity in language, culture, geographical conditions and religion, India embraced parliamentary democracy and granted voting rights to all citizens.
He said that alongside Parliament, Legislative Assemblies were established, followed by the development of democratic institutions under Panchayati Raj and in urban local bodies. India has a democratic system extending from the village panchayat to the national level, based on public participation, people's involvement and governance by the people. He added that the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, equality, fraternity, equal rights, equal justice and individual freedoms to all. Every word and every idea enshrined in the Constitution guides our lives and gives direction to our working systems.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said that over the past 60 years, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, guided by the Constitution and through the opinions, ideas and perspectives of its members, has contributed to the development of the state. He said that Haryana's soldiers have always been at the forefront of protecting the country's borders and ensuring internal security. The state's farmers have also played a leading role in adopting new technologies, and Haryana has brought laurels to the country in every field.
He said that although members of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha may have differences in their opinions and perspectives, there has always been a commitment to taking the state and the country forward through collective efforts. Haryana has made a significant contribution to the country's economy as well as its socio-cultural identity. From time to time, the State Assembly has enhanced its dignity through healthy traditions, high-quality debates, dialogue and reasoned discussions.
Sh. Om Birla said that democracy accommodates different perspectives, opinions and viewpoints, and it is only through collective efforts that the state and the country can progress. Therefore, there is a need to adopt and strengthen good traditions in democratic institutions. He said that the legislature is responsible for making laws and policies and conveying the expectations and aspirations of the people. The executive is responsible for implementing the laws impartially, while the judiciary has the responsibility of ensuring easy access to justice for all.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said that every provision and article of the Constitution provides direction. In a parliamentary democracy, there can be agreement, disagreement and differences of opinion, but taking the country and the state forward through collective efforts is the responsibility of every member of the Legislative Assembly.
He thanked all present and former public representatives for their contributions. He said that even those who are no longer members of the Legislative Assembly continue to perform the noble task of serving society. Bringing a positive change in the life of the last person in society and transforming their socio-economic conditions is everyone's moral responsibility. He emphasised that instead of allowing fatigue or disappointment to set in during social and political life, efforts must continue relentlessly to bring happiness to the face of the last person in society. Extending his greetings to all public representatives, he said that their contributions would always be remembered by the people of Haryana.