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Barbados, Oct 11 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stressed that India is a living example of democracy and equality whose Constitution has been its guide for the last 75 years, an official said citing his statement at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados on Saturday.
He highlighted that democracy is the soul of India, equality is its resolve and justice is its identity.
Birla made these remarks while addressing the delegates at the General Assembly of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference on the theme “Commonwealth – A Global Partner”.
On this occasion, the Speaker invited the Presiding Officers of the Parliament of the Commonwealth to participate in the next Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth of Nations (CSPOC) in New Delhi from 7 to 9 January, 2026.
In a post on X, Birla wrote, “Honoured to address the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados. The Commonwealth is more than a group of nations – it is a family united by shared values, faith in democracy and dialogue. Highlighted that India is committed to strengthening parliamentary institutions, promoting inclusive growth and cooperation based on equality and justice.”
He emphasized that global crises such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity and inequality transcend borders and require collective solutions.
Birla called for united efforts to address these challenges and stressed that solutions cannot be found in isolation.
He stressed the importance of food and health security, highlighting India’s role as a trusted partner in global food and nutrition security.
He reminded that India was once dependent on others for food, and the journey from those challenging times to its current position as a global power has been truly impressive.
Noting India’s significant contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that the country supplied medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries, the statement said, underscoring the belief that health is a right, not a privilege.
Birla highlighted India’s position as the world’s largest democracy and fastest growing major economy, noting that India has become the first major country to meet the Paris Agreement targets ahead of schedule.
Through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, India has emphasized global responsibility for the planet.
Birla noted India’s efforts towards women empowerment, citing provisions for reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
He said that out of 3.1 million elected representatives in rural Panchayati Raj institutions, more than 1.4 million are women. Additionally, she mentioned the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which provides one-third reservation for women in Parliament and Assemblies, underscoring the priority of youth and women in Indian democratic institutions.
Birla stressed that technology, especially Artificial Intelligence and digital platforms, can enhance the transparency and effectiveness of democracy.
He stressed the need to ensure that technology serves humanity and not the other way around. To achieve this, he advocated the establishment of global standards that prevent harm as well as promote innovation, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach all while minimizing its negative impacts.
–IANS
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