Lok Sabha Speaker Pays Floral Tributes to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

New Delhi, 25 December 2025: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today paid floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna  Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of their birth anniversaries in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, today.

Union Ministers; Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh; Members of Parliament, former Members; Secretary – General, Lok Sabha, Utpal Kumar Singh and Secretary – General, Rajya Sabha, P.C. Mody and other dignitaries also paid tributes to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on this occasion.

Later, addressing students from schools and colleges in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Birla reflected on the lasting legacy of these stalwarts in strengthening India’s democratic and cultural fabric. He recalled that both leaders stood for values of inclusivity, national unity, and respect for the nation’s pluralistic ethos.

On this occasion, Birla also highlighted Lok Sabha’s efforts to bring India’s rich linguistic diversity to the forefront by encouraging and facilitating the use of regional languages on the floor of the House, ensuring that Members of Parliament can express themselves in their native language and thus make debates more representative of the nation’s cultural mosaic.

Paying homage to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Birla described him as a unique amalgamation of modern thought and eternal values. The Banaras Hindu University established by Pt. Malviya remains a pillar of India’s educational and cultural strength, nurturing generations of students in an environment rooted in Indian values, knowledge traditions and national consciousness, noted Shri Birla. He also recalled his unparalleled contributions to the freedom movement, education and national awakening. Mahamana Malviya believed education was not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but the greatest power for nation-building and social transformation, he added. He also mentioned that at a time when the country was under colonial rule and there was a boycott of foreign education, Mahamana Malviya advocated an education system rooted in India’s civilisational ethos, culture and knowledge traditions.

Speaking on the life and contributions of Former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Birla said that the former Prime Minister gave a new direction to Indian politics and governance through dignity, dialogue and decisive leadership. He described Shri Vajpayee as a statesman, thinker, poet and writer who remained actively engaged in public life for over five decades. He further stated that Shri Vajpayee combined intellectual depth with political vision and, through his simplicity, integrity and moral clarity, emerged as an enduring symbol of principled leadership in Indian public life.

The Speaker recalled that Vajpayee always placed the nation above all else. At critical moments concerning national security, he took bold and courageous decisions that demonstrated India’s strength and self-confidence to the world. Despite international pressure and sanctions, Shri Vajpayee stood firm, asserting that India would safeguard its sovereignty and national interests without fear. His leadership elevated India’s stature on the global stage and laid a strong foundation for a self-reliant and confident nation. Shri Birla noted that whether in power or in opposition, Vajpayee worked relentlessly for the country with composure and grace. His dignified conduct, inclusive approach and ability to rise above political differences made him a role model for parliamentarians and citizens alike. He said that Shri Vajpayee’s thoughts and ideals would continue to guide Indian democracy for generations to come.

Concluding his address, Birla noted that India’s growing stature on the global stage reflects a confident and self-assured nation firmly rooted in its democratic values. He stressed that the Prime Minister has consistently expressed deep faith in the capabilities of the youth and has emphasised their central role in shaping the future of the country. The Prime Minister’s vision has inspired young Indians to take responsibility, innovate and contribute meaningfully towards building a self-reliant and developed India capable of effectively addressing global challenges, he added.

The programme, organised by the Parliamentary Research & Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), was attended by over 530 students from different parts of the country. The paid homage to two leaders and shared their thoughts on their contribution to the nation building. They also interacted with the Speaker in the historic setting where the Constitution of India was drafted.

Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal on the occasion of his birth anniversary.