Vice President of India C.P. Radhkrishnan Praises Speaker Vijender Gupta for Vision Behind Assembly Publication and Conference

New Delhi, 26 November 2025 : “The capital of India, Delhi, should set the benchmark for excellence globally. It should not aspire to be like London, Washington, or any other city, but must shine as the best capital in the world” said Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of adoption of the Constitution and Unveiling of the specially curated Coffee Table Book, marking 100 years since Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian elected Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly on 24 August 1925. The Coffee Table Book was formally unveiled by the Vice President. The event was graced by Lt. Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena and the Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta as Guests of Honour, The Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, Ravindra Indraj Singh and the Chief Secretary, Govt. of NCT of Delhi Rajeev Verma were present in the event. Former Governor of Assam Jagdish Mukhi, Member of Rajya Sabha Ms. Swati Maliwal, MLAs , Senior Leaders and Councillors were also present at the event. LG V K Saxena administered the pledge to the people on the occasion of Constitution Day and as a part of the National observance, a three-minute short film prepared by the Government of India on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution was also screened.

Vice President of India highlighted the historic significance of the Assembly building, noting that “assembly buildings also speak; the daily legislature is what it should be.” He appreciated the release of the Coffee Table Book, saying it has been meticulously curated by the authors and speakers to reflect the journey of legislative institutions in India. He congratulated the Delhi Legislative Assembly for successfully hosting the All India Speakers’ Conference on August 24–25, 2025, and emphasized the importance of commemorating the centennial year of the assumption of office of the first Indian-elected Speaker of the Central Legislature, Vithalbhai Patel, brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose tenure became a role model for all presiding officers of independent India. He added that Patel’s remarkable leadership continues to inspire legislative practices in the country.

The Vice President also reflected on the historic role of the Assembly building, which once housed the Imperial Legislative Council and the first Central Legislative Assembly, where critical debates on rights, citizenship, and representative governance took place. Commending the authors for their work, he said the book preserves history while connecting current and future generations with the sacrifices and trials of India’s forefathers. It serves as a reminder to citizens of the importance of democratic values, helping them stay rooted in India’s constitutional legacy while inspiring them to uphold these principles in everyday life.

Vice President further praised the vision and initiative of Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta in organizing the conference and bringing the publication to fruition. The Vice President appealed to legislators to contribute constructively through dialogue, debate, and discussion in assembly proceedings, emphasizing that democracy relies on deliberation followed by collective cooperation. Addressing citizens, he urged every section of society, students, workers, small entrepreneurs, and industries to play an active role in nation-building by practicing the values and duties enshrined in the Constitution. He concluded that such collective effort is the true tribute to India’s democratic institutions and a vital step toward making India a global superpower.

Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena expressed his pleasure at the release of the Coffee Table Book documenting the unique legacy of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. He recalled that “several months ago, at the beginning of the Eighth Legislative Assembly, during a conversation with Speaker Vijender Gupta, he had proposed that the Delhi Legislative Assembly consider creating a Coffee Table Book to document its unique legacy and the broader evolution of legislative institutions in India.”

V. K. Saxena, while addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 75th Constitution Day, recalled the foresight of the Constituent Assembly in laying the foundations of India’s democratic values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He emphasized that the observance of Constitution Day serves as a moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to these ideals and to strengthen the institutions that uphold them. Highlighting the historic significance of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, he noted that this House has long been a centre of critical deliberations on citizenship, rights, and governance

“Different religions, languages and identities, the Constitution ties every Indian with one thread of unity” said  CM Smt. Rekha Gupta during the event. She further said that every single letter of the Constitution carries the soul of India and the essence of our democracy, forming the bedrock of the nation’s progress. Congratulating everyone on the occasion, she praised the Speaker for the launch of the Coffee Table Book, which she said beautifully documents India’s long and inspiring democratic journey, making every citizen feel proud of our institutional heritage. Extending her best wishes, Smt. Rekha Gupta expressed confidence that India’s era of progress will continue, as every citizen advances forward while holding firmly to the guiding hand of the Constitution.

Speaker Vijender Gupta said that celebrating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution in the historic Assembly building adds a profound emotional significance to the occasion. He recalled that this very place once housed the Imperial Legislative Council and the first Central Legislative Assembly, where India’s earliest democratic aspirations and constitutional values first echoed. “To observe Constitution Day here is to honour the continuum of India’s parliamentary soul,” he remarked.

Speaking about the Coffee Table Book, Gupta said that it captures a century-long journey of India’s democratic evolution through rare archival photographs and key milestones, including the 2025 All India Speakers’ Conference commemorating 100 years since Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly. He expressed gratitude to all Members and the Assembly Secretariat for strengthening the institution, and reminded that the Constitution is not just a text to remember but a responsibility to live by ensuring governance remains compassionate, accountable, and future-ready.

Highlighting Delhi Assembly’s efforts to uphold constitutional ideals through action, the Speaker announced that the Assembly has become the first legislature in India to run 100% on solar energy, following the commissioning of a 500-kilowatt rooftop plant. This initiative will save nearly ₹1.75 crore annually, which will be redirected towards public welfare. He also lauded the successful rollout of NeVA, making Delhi the 18th state to fully adopt paperless legislative functioning, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

All the dignitaries paid floral tributes at the statues of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and  Vithalbhai Patel in the Assembly premises, honouring their monumental contributions to India’s Constitution and democratic institutions.