New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India has successfully transformed its vast diversity into the biggest strength of its democracy, proving to the world that democratic institutions and processes can deliver stability, scale and speed in national development.
Addressing the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, Prime Minister Modi said that despite early doubts about the survival of democracy in a country as diverse as India, the nation has not only sustained democratic values but has also flourished through them, setting a global example of inclusive governance.
“There was also scepticism that even if democracy did take root, India would struggle to progress. Contrary to these doubts, India has demonstrated that democratic institutions and processes provide stability, scale, and speed to its development,” he said.
The prime minister said India has a long tradition of debate, dialogue and collective decision-making. “In India, democracy means last mile delivery,” he said.
He also said that India is strongly raising the concerns of the Global South on every global platform. “During its G20 Presidency as well, India placed the priorities of the Global South at the centre of the global agenda,” he said.
About 60 speakers and presiding officers are attending the event being held at the Samvidhan Sadan in Parliament House complex here from January 14 to 16.
It is deliberating on a wide range of contemporary parliamentary issues, including the role of speakers and presiding officers, in maintaining strong democratic institutions.
The use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on Members of Parliament, innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizen participation beyond voting, among others, are also being discussed at the conference. (KNC)