Awareness, Training and Research Are the Three Pillars of a Prosperous Democracy: Nitin Gadkari

Nagpur, Dec 2025 : Students of political science come for training through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Studies Group. These students get the opportunity to understand the law-making process and study the parliamentary system. Democracy becomes prosperous through such training and awareness. Therefore, awareness, training and research are the three pillars of a prosperous democracy, asserted Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

The second volume of the reference-rich book series published by the V. S. Page Parliamentary Training Centre, based on important Bills, resolutions and policies passed by the Legislative Council, was released today by Union Minister Gadkari at a programme held in the Legislative Council Hall.

On this occasion, Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narvekar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil, and Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe were present.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that it was a matter of good fortune to return, on the occasion of this programme, to the House that educated him for 18 years, enriched him with experience, and gave him the opportunity to serve the nation. It refreshed many memories associated with this House. This House taught him the skill of extracting what is required for the development of the state through discussion. Effective laws have been framed through deliberations on law-making in the Legislative Council. While debating various state issues in this House, even when there were intense battles of rules, personal relations were never embittered—this is the rich tradition of our democracy.

In a democracy, the Constitution has defined rights and duties, creating equal opportunities for development. The legislature has upheld the finest democratic traditions. Through these books, the intellectual wealth of the House will reach the new generation. Therefore, everyone should read these books, appealed Union Minister Gadkari.

Laws Formed Through Debate Reflect Public Will: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Discussions held in legislative houses during the law-making process are extremely important, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Mature laws are created through such discussions, and laws framed after deliberations reflect the public will. Such laws are certainly useful for public welfare, he added.

The Chief Minister noted that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, was a member of the Legislative Council. This House has produced highly intelligent and experienced members, whose wisdom and experience have benefited the law-making process. A body of literature based on laws and policies passed by the House is now being created. Maintaining records of legislative proceedings is extremely important, as the absence of records has caused the loss of many historical references. While Western countries have records that are often referred to, India’s democratic system is two thousand years older, yet lacks adequate documentation. Hence, compiled books of speeches and laws passed will always remain historical documents, he said.

Chief Minister Fadnavis also praised Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for using constitutional provisions for the first time since 1950 to promote development in backward regions of the state, helping reduce developmental backlog.

Significant Contribution of the Council to State Development: Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde

Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde emphasized that the bicameral system is extremely important for the country, as it enables effective law-making. Laws and policies formed after discussions on various state issues are conducive to development. The Legislative Council has made a towering contribution to the state’s progress, he said.

Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, in her introductory remarks, shared information about the work of the V. S. Page Parliamentary Training Centre and the books based on laws and resolutions of the Legislative Council. Editors Yogesh Trivedi, Vilas Mukadam and Kishor Apte were felicitated for their contribution.

Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narvekar proposed the vote of thanks, while the programme was anchored by Public Relations Officer Nilesh Madane. Ministers, legislators, journalists, officials and parliamentary studies students attended the programme.