International Day of Democracy: Om Birla Says India's Democratic Tradition Is Rooted in Civilisational Ethos

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said that democracy is not new to India but is deeply rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos.

In a social media post on the International Day of Democracy, Mr Birla said that India celebrates not only its position as the world’s largest democracy but also a democratic tradition with deep roots in its ancient civilisation. He noted that long before modern institutions of representative democracy took shape, ancient Indian texts spoke of collective deliberation and public assemblies. He highlighted that the Rig Veda mentions the Sabha and Samiti, ancient assemblies associated with discussion, consultation and collective decision-making.

Mr Birla also highlighted that traditions of self-governance and deliberative institutions evolved over time in ancient republics and Gana-Sanghas, including Vaishali. He said that from ancient assemblies to the world’s largest electoral democracy, India’s democratic journey represents a long historical continuum.

He added that India’s civilisational heritage reminds us that democracy is not merely about elections but also about dialogue, participation and respect for diversity, consensus and the dignity of every citizen.

On this day, Mr Birla encouraged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to making India’s democracy more participatory, inclusive, accountable and vibrant, while carrying forward what he described as the timeless democratic spirit of Bharat.