New Delhi, Dec 25 (UNI) In a solemn ceremony held on Thursday at the historic Samvidhan Sadan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led the nation in paying floral tributes to two of India’s most revered icons: Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on their birth anniversaries.
The event, attended by union Ministers, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, and several Members of Parliament, served as a platform to reflect on the enduring legacies of these leaders in shaping India’s democratic and cultural identity.
Also, addressing a gathering of over 530 students as part of the ‘Know Your Leader’ initiative, Om Birla made a significant observation regarding the evolving nature of the Indian Parliament. He highlighted the Lok Sabha’s proactive efforts to celebrate India’s rich linguistic heritage.
“The Lok Sabha is highlighting India’s rich linguistic diversities on the floor of the House. By encouraging the use of regional languages, we ensure that Members of Parliament can express themselves in their native tongue, making our debates truly representative of the nation’s cultural mosaic,” Birla stated.
Paying homage to Madan Mohan Malaviya, the Speaker described him as a “unique amalgamation of modern thought and eternal values.” He emphasized that Malaviya’s greatest legacy, the Banaras Hindu University, continues to be a pillar of India’s intellectual strength.
Birla noted that Malaviya viewed education as the ultimate tool for social transformation.
He said that at a time of colonial rule, Malaviya advocated for a system rooted in Indian civilizational ethos rather than foreign models.
Turning his attention to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Speaker lauded the former Prime Minister for providing a “new direction” to Indian governance. He characterized Vajpayee’s leadership through three pillars: Dignity, Dialogue, and Decisive Leadership.
“Shri Vajpayee was a statesman who combined intellectual depth with political vision. Whether in power or in opposition, he worked with composure and grace, asserting India’s sovereignty on the global stage even under intense international pressure,” the Speaker recalled.
Birla further remarked that Vajpayee’s ability to rise above political differences remains a gold standard for parliamentarians today.
Birla urged the youth to take ownership of the country’s future, noting that their innovation and responsibility are central to building a self-reliant and developed India (Viksit Bharat).
Earlier in the day, the Speaker also visited ‘Sadaiv Atal’ to offer floral tributes at the memorial of the former Prime Minister, marking a day of national remembrance for two leaders who stood for inclusivity and national unity.
Om Birla honors stalwarts; pays tributes to Madan Mohan Malaviya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee
