New Delhi, June 30: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has conveyed heartfelt wishes 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 the people’s aspirations, rights, and trust.
Birla stated, “Parliament is the supreme embodiment of the people’s aspirations, rights, and trust, where ideas are debated, policies are crafted, 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 further emphasized, “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 our diverse nation, Parliament serves as a platform for national unity, social harmony, and constitutional values, where every region, class, and citizen’s voice is heard.”
Birla remarked, “Today, the role of Parliament extends beyond legislative functions. It is also responsible for ensuring government accountability, promoting meaningful discourse on public issues, maintaining the dignity of democratic institutions, and balancing citizens’ rights and duties.”
He added, “International Parliamentary Day offers us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the soul of democracy—dialogue, consensus, accountability, transparency, and constitutional norms.”
Notably, International Parliamentary Day is celebrated annually on June 30. This date marks the establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889. In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared it as International Parliamentary Day. The day aims to highlight the role of parliaments worldwide in strengthening democracy, good governance, and human rights.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is considered the global platform for the world’s parliaments. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it comprises over 180 national parliaments. The organization works to strengthen democracy, promote dialogue and diplomacy, encourage peace and cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of experiences among parliaments.
India, the world’s largest democracy, is an active member of the IPU and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The CPA India Region includes 32 parliamentary and legislative branches from India. After the Africa Region, India has the highest number of member branches in the CPA. The CPA India Region is divided into nine administrative zones, aiming to strengthen 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 advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.7—ensuring responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
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