Democracy is Not Just Governance, but the Soul of Life: Assembly Speaker Shri Tomar

Aug 2025 : Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that Indian democracy is not merely a system of governance but the very soul of life. He said, “Its roots run deep, as India has historically, culturally and philosophically sown the seed of democracy in the world. Democracy is not just a gift of the Constitution, but an ege-old living tradition that has guided India’s culture, society and politics for thousands of years.”

Shri Tomar was addressing the lecture session on the theme ‘India – Mother of Democracy’ during the All-India Presiding Officers’ Conference, organised as part of the centenary celebrations of the first elected Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, Late Vitthalbhai Patel, in Delhi. The session was presided over by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh. Over the two-day conference, around 12 Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Legislative Assemblies shared their views. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Meira Kumar and Delhi Assembly Speaker Shri Vijender Gupta were present at the concluding session.

Assembly Speaker Shri Tomar reiterated that democracy in India is not a borrowed concept but deeply rooted in the country’s history. While many in the world believe democratic values originated in Greece, their foundation was laid much earlier in India. References to ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’ in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda highlight institutions of collective deliberation and decision-making, where even kings had no authority to impose their will. The Upanishads, too, echo this principle. Ancient prayers like ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah’ are not just religious verses but declarations of collective welfare, equality, and inclusiveness—the very essence of democracy. He emphasised that democracy is not limited to voting or electing governments but ensures welfare, participation, and security for all. This vision was articulated by India’s sages thousands of years ago.

Speaker Shri Tomar also paid tribute to Late Vitthalbhai Patel, noting that he gave new dimensions to politics and set fresh standards for democracy. He urged all State Assemblies to follow his path. He recalled that the Delhi Assembly building had been a workplace for leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal and Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, and also bore witness to the historic bombing incident by freedom fighters Batukeshwar Dutt and Bhagat Singh.

Speaker Shri Tomar, Highlighting the strength of India’s democratic system, said that with millions of citizens voting every five years, India conducts the world’s largest democratic exercise. The peaceful transfer of power is proof that the people hold the ultimate authority to elect and change governments. This, he said, is the soul of democracy—the people are supreme. Despite challenges, Indian democracy remains strong because it is not confined to the Constitution but deeply embedded in the people’s consciousness and culture.

He called upon citizens to strengthen this democratic tradition further, stating that democracy is not only about choosing a government but also about fulfilling one’s duties as responsible citizens.

The conference was attended by Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Legislative Assemblies across the country, Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Legislative Councils, and senior officers of Assembly Secretariats. The two-day event began on August 24 with an inaugural address by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla was present at the concluding session. Principal Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri A.P. Singh, was also in attendance.