Democratic practices rooted in India’s ethos: VP
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday said democratic practices in India have been continuous, inclusive, and deeply rooted in society as part of a broader civilisational ethos that values dialogue, consensus, and respect for diverse opinions.
In his address in the Parliament complex after releasing a book, “Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament”, authored by Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty, he highlighted that from Vaishali in the north to the Kudavolai system in the south, democratic practices in India have been continuous, inclusive, and deeply rooted in society.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also present at the event. The book is a publication of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Radhakrishnan, also Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, said these traditions are part of a broader civilizational ethos that values dialogue, consensus, and respect for diverse opinions, making India the mother of democracy.
He said the murals in Samvidhan Sadan (the old Parliament House building) are not merely works of art but visual narratives reflecting India’s civilisational journey.
Quoting the great Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, the vice president underlined the richness of India’s wisdom, dignity, charity, and cultural depth, noting that such a foundation naturally fosters inclusiveness and respect for all voices.
He appreciated the integration of traditional symbols in the Parliament building.
He also referred to the ceremonial display of the sacred Sengol of the Chola dynasty during the President’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament, describing it as a powerful symbol connecting modern India with its civilisational roots.
