New Delhi, January 16, 2026 — Hon’ble Vice-President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan hosted a formal lunch in honour of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Parliaments at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi, on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC). The gathering underscored the shared responsibility of parliamentary leaders to uphold dignity, decorum and democratic values across legislatures.
Strengthening Parliamentary Bonds through Dialogue
Welcoming the distinguished delegates, Shri Radhakrishnan expressed pleasure at hosting the gathering at Samvidhan Sadan, describing the historic Parliament building as a living symbol of India’s vibrant democratic tradition of over seven and a half decades. He noted that the event reflected the spirit of harmony, cooperation and collective purpose that binds Commonwealth democracies.
He emphasised that meaningful dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation must remain the guiding principles for democracies navigating complex and diverse viewpoints.
Presiding Officers as Guardians of Legislative Dignity
Highlighting the constitutional role of Presiding Officers, the Vice-President stated that facilitating debate and discussion with decorum and dignity, amidst diversity of views, is a shared and primary responsibility. He underlined that despite differences in geography, culture and historical experience, Commonwealth nations remain united by a common parliamentary ethos and commitment to democratic values.
He further observed that Presiding Officers act as the ultimate guardians of legislative dignity and the collective voice of the people, entrusted with balancing freedom of expression with orderly conduct within legislatures.
India’s Democratic Legacy and the Spirit of the Commonwealth
Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, Shri Radhakrishnan noted that India views the Commonwealth not merely as a historical association, but as a forward-looking platform for cooperation among equal partners. He stated that platforms like CSPOC enable the exchange of institutional wisdom, best practices and governance experiences, contributing to stronger, more resilient and inclusive legislatures worldwide.
Symbolism of Sahabhojan and Shared Values
Drawing attention to the Indian tradition of Sahabhojan (community dining), the Vice-President highlighted its symbolic meaning in fostering equality, fraternity and collective harmony. Invoking the Sanskrit prayer “Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu” — May all beings everywhere be happy and free — he reaffirmed the shared commitment of Commonwealth legislatures to work for the welfare of their people.
Conclusion
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of CSPOC 2026, Shri Radhakrishnan stated that such engagements deepen parliamentary cooperation, mutual understanding and democratic resilience across nations. He extended warm wishes to the visiting dignitaries and hoped their visit to India would be both productive and memorable.
The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, senior Union Ministers, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Dr. Tulia Ackson, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Dr. Christopher Kalila, Secretaries-General of both Houses of Parliament, and Presiding Officers from across the Commonwealth.
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Source: PIB
