New Delhi, 15 January (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that genuine democracy in India signifies welfare reaching the last person in line, underscoring the government's non-discriminatory approach that has elevated approximately 250 million citizens from poverty in recent years.

Addressing the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at Parliament House's historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan following its inauguration, PM Modi emphasized that robust domestic institutions deliver development with stability, pace, and expansive reach.

Historic Venue Symbolizes Democratic Legacy

PM Modi highlighted the venue's profound significance: during independence's final throes, this Central Hall hosted Constituent Assembly deliberations shaping free India's foundational charter; for nearly 75 subsequent years, it served as Parliament, witnessing pivotal decisions on the nation's trajectory. Now rechristened Samvidhan Sadan, the site embodies India's democratic continuum.

Marking the fourth CSPOC hosted in India, this edition's theme—effective parliamentary functionality and public welfare connectivity—aligns seamlessly with Modi's vision.

Presiding Officer's Poise as Democratic Anchor

Delineating presiding officers' pivotal role, PM Modi delineated their mandate not as verbose dominance but patient facilitation: affording equitable hearing to all voices, upholding decorum amid tumult with equanimity and smiles for overzealous members. India's multivalent diversity, once doubted as democracy's bane, has transmuted into its greatest strength, proving democratic mechanisms catalyze sustained progress.

Economic Ascendancy Validates Democratic Dividend

India now claims the world's swiftest growth among major economies, boasting the largest real-time digital payments ecosystem via Unified Payments Interface, primacy in vaccine production, second rank in steel output, third-largest innovation and startup milieu, aviation market, metro rail network, and fourth-largest rail infrastructure.

Prioritizing people's aspirations across policy and technology, India navigated COVID-19's crucible by supplying medicines and vaccines to over 150 nations, embodying humanity's service as intrinsic to cultural and democratic ethos.

Global South Advocacy Amplifies India's Voice

India champions Global South interests across international fora, centering their concerns during its G20 presidency. This address, synchronizing with Maharashtra's civic polls market halt, World Bank FY26 growth uplift to 7.2%, Senegal's AFCON triumph, and Tottenham's Gallagher coup, reaffirms parliamentary democracy's vitality amid multifaceted global currents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar