Hon’ble Vice-President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Hosts Lunch in the Honour of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth countries

The Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Vice-President of India today hosted a lunch in the honour of the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the  Commonwealth Parliaments at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi. The lunch was organised on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), being held in India from 14^th to 16^th January, 2026.

Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, the Hon’ble Chairman expressed pleasure at hosting a distinguished gathering of Presiding Officers and Parliamentary leaders at Samvidhan Sadan, the historic Parliament building of India. He noted that the building stands as a symbol of India’s vibrant and flourishing Parliamentary democracy over more than seven and a half decades.

The Hon’ble Chairman observed that this gathering reflected the spirit of collective harmony and shared purpose that unites Commonwealth democracies. Drawing from India’s civilisational ethos, he emphasized the importance of moving forward together through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.

Referring to the role of Presiding Officers, the Hon’ble Chairman underlined that facilitating debate, dialogue and discussion with decorum and dignity, amidst diversity of views, is a shared and primary responsibility. He noted that while Commonwealth nations differ in geography, culture and historical experience, they remain bound by common Parliamentary ethos and a collective commitment to democratic principles and values.

The Hon’ble Chairman stated that Presiding Officers serve as the ultimate guardians of the dignity of legislatures and the voice of the people, entrusted with maintaining a careful balance between free expression and orderly conduct in hallowed chambers.

Highlighting India’s democratic legacy, the Hon’ble Chairman described India as the “Mother of Democracy” and stated that India views the Commonwealth not merely as a historical association, but as a vital and        forward-looking platform for cooperation among equal partners. He emphasized that forums such as CSPOC provide valuable opportunities for sharing institutional wisdom, best practices and experiences.

The Hon’ble Chairman noted that such exchanges contribute to strengthening legislatures by enhancing their resilience, transparency and inclusiveness.

Referring to the tradition of Sahabhojan or community dining, the Hon’ble Chairman highlighted its symbolic significance in fostering equality, fraternity and kinship.

Invoking the Sanskrit prayer “Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu”-  May all beings everywhere be happy and free – the Hon’ble Chairman reaffirmed the collective commitment of Commonwealth legislatures to work tirelessly for the welfare and well-being of their people through shared endeavour.

The Hon’ble Chairman expressed confidence that the interactions during CSPOC 2026, would further strengthen parliamentary ties, mutual understanding and cooperation among Commonwealth nations.

Concluding his remarks, the Hon’ble Chairman extended warm wishes to the visiting dignitaries and expressed hope that their visit to India would be productive and memorable.

The event was attended by the Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri               Om Birla, Hon’ble Union Ministers, the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, the Hon’ble President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Dr. Tulia Ackson, the Hon’ble Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Dr. Christopher Kalila, Secretaries-General of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and distinguished Speakers and Presiding Officers from across the Commonwealth.