Lok Sabha Speaker :Values of Diversity and Inclusiveness Define Indian Diaspora

Geneva/New Delhi 15 October 2024: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the 149th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) addressed members of the Indian Diaspora in Geneva, yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Birla underlined India’s active participation in the 149th IPU Assembly. He noted that the Assembly not only underscores the strength of India’s parliamentary diplomacy but also highlights India’s pivotal role in global dialogue aimed at addressing common global challenges.

 

Praising the skill, talent, and commitment of the Indian Diaspora, recognizing their potential as the nation’s strongest brand ambassadors and noting their ability to foster familial relationships and harmony wherever they reside, Shri Birla emphasized the values of diversity and inclusiveness that define the Indian community. He highlighted India’s leadership in confronting global challenges, attributing this confidence to both strong leadership and the power of its citizens and Diaspora.

Shri Birla opined that the Indian community in Geneva exemplifies the love for India and their contributions to the local economy and cultural heritage. He commended the NRI Community for promoting India’s rich traditions and values, thereby enhancing the nation’s global image. He observed that their achievements across various sectors—such as business, education, science, technology, and the arts—serve as a source of pride for all Indians.

Acknowledging the longstanding cordial relations between India and Switzerland, rooted in shared values such as non-alignment and neutrality, Shri Birla recalled the historical instances of cooperation between the two countries. He added that Indo-Swiss collaboration has flourished in areas including trade, investment, technology, education, and the environment. Speaking about the economic ties between India and Switzerland, Shri Birla observed that the signing of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between EFTA countries, including India and Switzerland, is a significant step toward mutual economic development and job creation. He noted that India, as one of the youngest and fastest growing nations in the world, is vibrant with energy and opportunities. He added that over the past decade, substantial progress has been made, lifting 250 million people out of poverty.

KEENNESS TO LEARN FROM INDIA: SHRI BIRLA SHARES PERSPECTIVES ON PARLIAMENTARY WORK WITH SPEAKERS OF WORLD PARLIAMENTS

When the heads of Parliaments of various countries met Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, they were eager to know the nuances of running the vibrant Parliament of world’s largest democracy.  While some Speakers asked him how he had used IT and AI in functioning of Indian Parliament, others were keen to know about his initiatives to reform practice and procedures.  Many others enquired about his initiatives of making judicious use House time. Several Speakers appreciated his efforts to establish amiable relations with Members of Parliament.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SEYCHELLES

During his visit to Geneva for the 149th IPU Assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla held bilateral talks with Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Roger Mancienne. Noting India’s historically friendly and cordial relations with Seychelles, Shri Birla said that the relations between the two countries are built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared values of democracy and inclusiveness. He added that the partnership between India and Seychelles is inspired by the common objectives of global peace with equality, democratic governance, market economy, and pluralistic society. Shri Birla also noted the key contributions of Indian expatriates in the development and growth of Seychelles. He added that Indians always uphold the heritage and spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam around the world.

Expressing joy at the deep and cordial relationship between the parliaments of India and Seychelles, Shri Birla said the shared vision of democratic values is evident in the two countries’ overall efforts. Shri Birla also expressed satisfaction at the regular exchange of Delegations between the countries. He recalled with happiness the 2017 visit of the Seychelles Parliamentary Delegation to the Parliament of India. Shri Birla added that visits between the parliamentary delegations of the two countries have given a new dimension to mutual relations.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS SPEAKER, SPEAKER OF THE CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY OF OMAN STATE COUNCIL

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met Speaker of the Consultative Assembly of Oman State Council, HE. Mr. Khalid Al Mawali, on the sidelines of 149th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva.

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Birla noted that  Oman is geographically India’s closest neighbour in the Gulf region and both India and Oman have shared a deep friendship for centuries which is reflected in trade, culture, and common priorities of both the countries.

Mentioning about the journey and strength of democracy, Shri Birla observed that as the largest democracy in the world, India has not only maintained the highest standards of democratic conduct but has also set new paradigms for the entire world. Voting in India is not just a process;  it is the grand festival of our democracy, he added. Today, India is not only conducting the world’s largest electoral process but people’s participation in it is also increasing. Transparency in our elections and efficiency in the electoral process have increased, Shri Birla further noted.

Referring to Indians as the bridge of friendship between India and the Gulf countries, Shri Birla opined that they were a living example of the close ties and friendship between India and the Gulf countries. He stressed on high level dialogue between the two countries at regular intervals for enhancing mutual dialogue and cooperation. Trade, economic and social ties between the two countries have been strengthened and historical ties have also gained a new momentum which have the potential to reach new heights, he observed. Shri Birla called for sharing best parliamentary traditions, practices and working systems with each other which will help in making the democratic system better and more accessible to the people. He also invited the legislators and officials of Oman to avail the capacity building programmes conducted by PRIDE.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NAMIBIA

During the 149th IPU Assembly Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla held a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia (SWAPO) Mr. Peter Katjavivi. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Birla underlined the historical, friendly and cordial relations between the two countries. He added that the struggle against colonialism and commitment to democracy are shared values of the two countries.

Mentioning India’s democratic heritage, Shri Birla underscored that as the world’s largest democracy, India’s parliamentary structure is based on inclusivity, transparency and accountability. Shri Birla noted that Parliaments play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. He added that through parliamentary diplomacy two countries can enhance cooperation in the areas of legislative processes, governance and capacity building.

Reiterating India’s position that India has always been committed to meeting the humanitarian needs of friendly countries in times of disaster, Shri Birla opined this policy of India reflects the strengthening of understanding and partnership between the two countries. India is committed to further strengthening the relations between India and Namibia, he added.

Calling for further strengthening parliamentary cooperation between India and Namibia, Shri Birla hoped that parliamentary cooperation between the two countries will reach new heights through parliamentary exchanges of practices, procedures and best legislative practices.

LOK SABHA SPEAKER MEETS IPU PRESIDENT

On the sidelines of the 149th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met the President of the IPU H.E. Ms. Tulia Ackson.

Recalling his previous meeting with H.E. Ms. Ackson in New Delhi, he congratulated her on her leadership of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and wished for the success of ongoing 149th Assembly. Shri Birla also recalled his previous visit to Tanzania in January 2023.

Emphasizing India’s rich democratic heritage, Shri Birla stated that India not only the largest democracy but also the most diverse, with unparalleled geographic, religious, linguistic, cultural, and ethnic variety among its people and regions. He added that the principles of tolerance and pluralism are central to Indian society and guide its parliamentary system.

Shri Birla noted that India’s long-standing membership in the IPU highlights its commitment to democratic governance and strengthening parliamentary institutions. He expressed confidence that over the past decade, India’s relations with the IPU have strengthened, and that they will continue to grow under the H.E. Ms. Ackson’s leadership. Mentioning the efforts being undertaken by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Shri Birla informed that this key training institution of the Parliament of India, has trained parliamentarians from over 115 countries. He proposed developing an international resource center for IPU members using PRIDE’s expertise.