Speaker Om Birla releases Delhi House journal, 89 volumes of Central Legislative Assembly discussions
New Delhi, May 28
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday launched the inaugural issue of 'Vidhan-Chetna', a quarterly journal of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, along with the momentous release of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly published in 89 volumes.
He said that the initiatives will provide a new direction to democratic discourse, parliamentary studies, research, and ideological dialogue.
"Dialogue, reasoning, and knowledge-based discussion are the true strength of democracy. It is believed that this historic publication will connect the new generation to their constitutional heritage, parliamentary traditions, and the values of nation-building, thereby making India's democratic future even more empowered and enriched," he said at the event held at the Delhi Assembly.
The event was also attended by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, and legislators.
In a message on X, Birla said, "Participated in the launch ceremony of the 89 volumes of proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly (1924-1930) and the inaugural issue of the quarterly magazine 'Vidhan-Chetna' in the historic premises of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, and addressed the program."
"The publication by the Delhi Legislative Assembly of the proceedings of 407 historic meetings of the Central Legislative Assembly in 89 volumes and 32,376 pages is a unique and farsighted initiative to preserve India's parliamentary heritage, democratic consciousness, and constitutional values," he said.
These walls of the old secretariat have witnessed those historic deliberations, ideological churning, and resolutions for nation-building, the echoes of which can still be felt today in these invaluable proceedings and historic pages, said Birla.
"In these proceedings is reflected the invaluable imprint of the impartial presidential leadership of the first Indian President Shri Vithalbhai Patel Ji, the patriotism of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Ji, the resounding voice of Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai Ji, the fiery nationalist ideas of Vipin Chandra Pal Ji, the constitutional reflections of Madhav Shrihari Aney Ji, and the ideological churning of numerous great luminaries, he said on X.
Vithalbhai Patel was the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, the precursor to the modern Lok Sabha.
The glorious tradition established by the valiant Vithalbhai Patel in upholding the presidential duty, impartiality, autonomy, and parliamentary decorum remains an inspiration for democratic institutions even today, said the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the landmark event represented a vital bridge between India's rich parliamentary legacy and its contemporary legislative evolution.
Gupta, who chaired the event, said the ceremony underscored a deep commitment to preserving institutional history while fostering modern democratic discourse.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. We keep hearing about preserving heritage, but what about making our current legislative process more transparent? How many of these 89 volumes will actually be read by the new generation? Feels like a photo op to me. Still, Vithalbhai Patel's legacy deserves recognition.
Great step! Our parliamentary history is so rich - from Malaviya ji to Lajpat Rai ji, these leaders debated ideas that shaped our nation. I hope schools and colleges get access to these volumes. Our youth needs to understand how democracy was built in India.
Interesting that they're releasing historical proceedings while the current Parliament often gets paralyzed by disruptions. Maybe the old debates can teach our present-day politicians a thing or two about constructive dialogue. The 'golden age' of Indian parliamentary democracy deserves study.
As a research scholar, this is a goldmine! The Central Legislative Assembly debates from 1924-1930 cover crucial years of India's freedom struggle. Having them bound in 89 volumes will make archival work so much easier. Hope the Delhi Assembly also puts digital copies online for wider access! 📚
वाह! 89 volumes of historic debates - this is what real democracy preservation looks like. But I wonder, with all due respect, why is this being launched now? And will our current MLAs and MPs actually read these? Blindfolding ourselves with history while ignoring present issues won't help.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.