New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday called upon universities across the country to play a transformative role in nurturing constitutional values and civic consciousness among youth, asserting that higher education institutions must prepare a generation guided by the spirit of “Nation First”.
He emphasised that the primary objective of higher education must be to foster democratic ideals, constitutional awareness and civic responsibility among students. According to him, democracy thrives only when citizens understand both their rights and duties and actively uphold constitutional values.
Universities as Pillars of Nation-Building
Birla underscored that institutions of higher learning must go beyond academic instruction and shape socially conscious individuals committed to public service. He said a strong democracy depends on informed citizens who participate responsibly in governance and electoral processes.
Referring to the newly introduced programmes, he described them as timely and visionary initiatives aligned with contemporary democratic needs. The courses focus on areas such as Political Communication, Election Management and Legislative Drafting — disciplines that directly influence the quality of governance and public discourse.
He expressed confidence that these programmes would not only provide theoretical grounding but also equip students with practical skills and leadership abilities necessary for strengthening democratic institutions.
Democracy and Citizen Responsibility
Stressing that democracy becomes truly robust when every citizen is aware and responsible, Birla highlighted the importance of civic education in shaping the country’s future. He said youth trained in democratic processes would contribute significantly to enhancing public participation in elections and policymaking.
India’s electoral system, he noted, enjoys global recognition for its transparency and credibility. He urged young scholars to undertake in-depth study and research on India’s electoral framework to further improve its efficiency and inclusiveness.
Technology as a Tool for Voter Empowerment
The Lok Sabha Speaker also highlighted the growing role of technology in democratic systems. He cautioned that technology should not remain confined to administrative convenience but must serve as a powerful instrument to educate, inform and empower voters.
In a vast and diverse democracy like India, election management is a complex and scientific exercise requiring impartiality, rigorous analysis and technical competence. Birla observed that leveraging digital tools effectively can strengthen transparency and public trust in institutions.
Strengthening Democratic Institutions
Birla emphasised that the efficiency of democratic institutions depends significantly on the competence and sensitivity of public representatives and parliamentary officials. He pointed out that the PRIDE Institute of the Indian Parliament has contributed extensively to capacity-building by organising training programmes for members and officials from more than 110 countries.
Such initiatives, he said, reinforce India’s parliamentary traditions and enhance its global standing as a vibrant democracy.
Concluding his address, Birla conveyed his best wishes to the university administration, faculty and students. He expressed hope that the initiative would nurture a generation committed to excellence in democratic awareness, public service, policymaking and journalism.
The event was attended by academicians, policymakers, students and other distinguished guests, marking a significant step towards strengthening academic engagement with democratic processes.
