Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today emphasized that meaningful democratic dialogue lies at the heart of effective legislative functioning. He observed that leadership is built through reasoned arguments, facts and constructive ideas and not through sloganeering, disruptions or legislative deadlocks.
Stressing that legislatures are forums for discussion, deliberation and solutions, he urged Members to enrich the quality of parliamentary discourse and ensure that debates in the House contribute to addressing public concerns and advancing the development of the State.
He remarked that democratic institutions derive their strength from informed dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to public welfare. He made these remarks while addressing the Valedictory Session of the two-day Orientation Programme for Members of the 18th West Bengal Legislative Assembly, organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Lok Sabha Secretariat, in collaboration with the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
The programme concluded today with the Valedictory Address by Governor, West Bengal, Shri R. Shri Birla called upon Members of the Legislative Assembly to become the voice of the last person in society and work towards fulfilling the aspirations, hopes and dreams of the people.
Emphasizing that public representatives derive their strength from the trust reposed in them by citizens, Shri Birla said that elected representatives are expected to raise the concerns, challenges and aspirations of the people and work towards finding solutions through democratic institutions.
He expressed confidence that the Members would justify the faith reposed in them by the people of West Bengal through dedicated public service and responsible conduct. Lok Sabha Speaker stated that Members of Legislative Assemblies are not merely representatives of their constituencies but stakeholders in the overall development and future of the State.
He urged Members to adopt a broad and inclusive vision while discharging their responsibilities and work collectively towards shaping policies, laws and developmental initiatives capable of providing a new direction to West Bengal. Paying tributes to Swami Vivekananda, Shri Birla said that his life, ideals and spiritual vision continue to inspire generations.
He observed that Swami Vivekananda's teachings provide direction to youth and leadership alike and demonstrate how dedication, character and commitment to society can bring transformative change. He remarked that Bengal's rich spiritual, intellectual and cultural heritage has consistently guided the nation and continues to inspire India's democratic and developmental journey.
Appreciating the enthusiastic participation of Members during the two-day programme, Shri Birla observed that learning, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas are continuous processes in public life. He noted that there can be no pause in learning and that legislators must constantly update themselves in an era marked by rapid technological and digital transformation.
He urged Members to carry forward the knowledge and insights gained during the programme and apply them in their legislative responsibilities. Shri Birla urged Members to effectively utilize legislative forums to articulate the concerns and expectations of the people.
He observed that every voice raised in the House represents the aspirations and challenges of citizens and should be viewed as an opportunity to improve governance and bring about positive change in society. He further emphasized that governments should positively consider constructive suggestions and concerns raised by legislators, as solutions emerge when diverse viewpoints are heard and addressed.
Calling upon legislators to maintain simplicity in life, humility in conduct and transparency in public affairs, Shri Birla said that public trust is the greatest strength of democratic institutions. He observed that popularity and respect in public life are earned not through position or authority but through sincerity, integrity, accessibility and service.
He urged Members to strengthen the trust reposed in them by the people through ethical conduct and accountable public service. Shri Birla expressed confidence that the Members would work towards enhancing the quality of debates and deliberations in the Assembly and carry forward its rich democratic traditions.
He observed that legislative institutions derive their prestige from the quality of discussions, diversity of viewpoints and collective wisdom of their Members. He also encouraged legislators to seek public feedback on laws and policies and actively contribute suggestions that make governance more responsive, transparent and citizen-centric.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, Shri Birla stated that the development of India is intrinsically linked to the development of its States. He observed that West Bengal has historically provided leadership and direction to the nation in various spheres and expressed confidence that the State would once again play a leading role in India's developmental journey.
He urged Members to channel their energy, talent and commitment towards building a prosperous, progressive and developed West Bengal. Lok Sabha Speaker emphasized that public life is a continuous journey of learning, service and self-improvement.
He expressed confidence that the Members would uphold democratic values, strengthen parliamentary traditions and work tirelessly for the welfare of the people. He urged Members to dedicate themselves to the cause of public welfare and ensure that the benefits of governance reach every section of society, especially the last person in the queue.
The Orientation Programme featured intensive sessions on legislative functioning, parliamentary conventions and etiquette, executive accountability, committee systems, legislative processes, financial and budgetary procedures, parliamentary privileges and ethics, and digital legislative initiatives.
Eminent Presiding Officers, parliamentarians and parliamentary experts from across the country participated as Chairpersons, Speakers and Resource Persons. The valedictory session was also attended by Governor of Haryana Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Shri Rathindra Bose, Ministers of the Government of West Bengal, Members of Parliament, Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and other distinguished dignitaries.