STRONG DEMOCRACIES ARE BUILT ON DIALOGUE, DIVERSE VIEWS AND MEANINGFUL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

Lok Sabha Secretariat

प्रविष्टि तिथि: 06 OCT 2026 7:38PM by PIB Mumbai

Panaji / New Delhi : 6 October 2026

The Silver Jubilee celebrations programme marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building was inaugurated today by Governor, Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju.  

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla emphasised that strong democracies are built on dialogue, diverse views and meaningful public participation. Noting that legislatures are forum for discussion, dialogue, debate and exchange of diverse views, he mentioned that democracy becomes stronger when there is space for agreement as well as disagreement, and when diverse perspectives are brought into the legislative process. India’s democratic strength, he said, has been built on the ability of its institutions to accommodate diverse opinions and viewpoints.

Referring to India’s growing stature in the global arena, Shri Birla said that India’s democratic experience and commitment to constitutional values have strengthened the country’s voice in the world. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is contributing to finding solutions to global challenges while drawing upon the civilisational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. He said that the strength of democracy must ultimately be reflected in the manner in which people’s expectations and aspirations are translated into policies, laws and effective governance. He also underlined the special responsibility of elected representatives in smaller States such as Goa, where there is close interaction between representatives and citizens. He urged public representatives to remain sensitive to the aspirations, difficulties and challenges faced by their constituents and work towards their timely resolution.

Stressing that technology can significantly enhance public understanding of legislative processes by enabling citizens to access information relating to rules, laws, policies, legislative debates and the work of committees, Lok Sabha Speaker called for greater transparency and accessibility which can deepen the connection between legislatures and the people. Calling for healthy competition among State Legislatures in adopting innovations, Shri Birla said that legislatures should learn from one another and share best practices in areas such as technology, legislative procedures and institutional reforms. The objective, he said, should be to create a “healthy competition” among legislatures to strengthen democratic institutions.

Lok Sabha Speaker also stressed on greater participation of young people in democratic institutions. He said that India’s youth are at the forefront of technology, education, research and innovation, and their participation in the legislative process would contribute to the formulation of better policies and laws. He welcomed the initiative of the Goa Legislative Assembly to organise programmes over four days highlighting the history of the Goa Liberation Movement and the legislative journey of the State. Such initiatives, he said, would help connect young people with legislative institutions and enhance their understanding of the democratic process.

Shri Birla mentioned that Goa has a distinctive identity, known not only for its natural beauty, coastline and rich cultural heritage, but also for its harmonious way of life. He congratulated the present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, Members of Parliament and Members of the Goa Legislative Assembly who have contributed to the State’s socio-economic development over the past 25 years. He also acknowledged the contribution of all those elected representatives who, through their debates, views and legislative interventions, have strengthened the dignity and prestige of the Assembly. Shri Birla said that Goa’s development journey has been distinctive as the State had to simultaneously promote industry, trade, tourism and education while preserving its rich heritage and natural environment. Maintaining this balance, he said, has been a challenging but important responsibility. He noted that Goa has today established a distinct position in the fields of tourism, industry and education, while also maintaining the dignity and quality of life of its people. He appreciated the efforts of successive governments and elected representatives who have contributed to this journey through policies, legislation and public-oriented initiatives.

Shri Birla noted that the Silver Jubilee should not merely be an occasion to celebrate the Assembly’s achievements of the past 25 years, but should also provide an opportunity to envision the next 25 years. He urged the Goa Legislative Assembly to prepare a forward-looking roadmap aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, with maximum participation of citizens, youth and women. He said that every citizen, particularly the person at the last mile, should feel that the Legislative Assembly is a forum that represents and responds to his or her aspirations and expectations. He  emphasised that the next 25 years should focus on making democratic institutions stronger, more accessible, accountable, responsive and results-oriented. Greater public participation in the functioning of legislatures, he said, would make democratic institutions more accountable and responsible towards citizens.

Congratulating the Goa Legislative Assembly on completing 25 years in its present building, Shri Birla expressed confidence that the Assembly would continue to contribute to Goa’s economic and social development while preserving its distinctive culture, heritage and natural environment. He conveyed his greetings to all present and former Members, Speakers, Chief Ministers and other public representatives who have contributed to the development of Goa and strengthened the democratic institutions of the State.

On this occasion, Shri Birla released ‘Customised My Stamp and Special Cover with Special Cancellation’ of the Goa Legislative Assembly and Secretariat Building and also felicitated eminent personalities.

Chief Minister, Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant; Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar; Minister for Legislative Affairs, Government of Goa, Shri Mauvin Godinho; Leader of Opposition, Goa legislative Assembly, Shri Yuri Alemao and other dignitaries also addressed on the occasion.  

Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar delivered the Welcome Address and Deputy Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly , Shri Joshua Peter De Souza delivered the Words of Gratitude.

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