Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday attended the inaugural session of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) – India Region at the Delhi Vidhan Sabha.
Addressing the delegates at the session, Mr Birla said that India has been able to achieve democratic rule, something that many countries in the world continue to strive for. He added that democracy needs to be continuously defended and protected through ceaseless struggle. It is therefore important to train the youth as warriors for democracy, which he said, is one of the goals of CYP.
Mr Birla further added that in order to pursue excellence and success, it is important to understand and be acquainted with the traditions, practices, and nuances associated with that field in which one seeks success. He commended the Commonwealth Youth Parliament for playing this role effectively and introducing the youth to the basics of public service and policymaking along with Parliamentary practice and procedure. He advised the delegates to make use of the opportunity presented by the CYP and enrich their knowledge and experience.
Mr Birla said that the basic values and guiding spirit of democracy are Dialogue, Debate and Decision through discussion. He said that democracy is not just about the rule of majority opinion over minority opinion; rather it is about taking along all shades of opinions and stakeholders on board. Mr Birla observed that there is space for all voices in democracy and that all voices must be heard with patience and due respect. He added that Parliamentary democracy is based upon these basic values.
Mr Birla said that in the present times, due to the widespread use of Information and Communication Technology, the destiny of the entire world is closely interlinked. He said that the world today is a global village and the challenges faced by the world like climate change have to be faced collectively and in an inclusive manner and the world must strive for unity based upon the guiding spirit of Parliamentary Democracy. Mr Birla said that the youth must actively participate in democracy and public service since they have enormous energy and enthusiasm along with a fresh new perspective and ideas and that they can make a positive contribution to the problems faced by the world.
The session was earlier addressed by the Speaker of Delhi Vidhan Sabha Mr Ram Niwas Goel, Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi Mr Arvind Kejriwal and CPA Chairperson H.E. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka