Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called upon universities across the country to nurture constitutional and civic consciousness among youth and prepare a generation imbued with the spirit of Nation First, asserting that higher education institutions are foundational pillars of nation building rather than mere centres for awarding degrees.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of three major academic programmes launched by O P Jindal Global University at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, the Speaker emphasised that democracy is strengthened only when every citizen is aware of constitutional values and acts responsibly in upholding both rights and duties.
In his keynote address as Chief Guest, Om Birla stated that universities must go beyond academic instruction and focus on cultivating democratic awareness, ethical responsibility, and civic participation among students. He observed that the newly introduced academic programmes by O P Jindal Global University are aligned with contemporary governance needs and represent a visionary step toward reinforcing democratic institutions and systems in India.
He expressed hope that the programmes would combine theoretical knowledge with practical exposure and leadership development, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to democratic processes and public life. Referring to specialised subjects such as Political Communication, Election Management, and Legislative Drafting, he described them as particularly relevant in the present era, as they directly influence the quality, transparency, and effectiveness of democratic governance.
Om Birla underlined that democracy becomes truly robust only when citizens remain conscious of their constitutional responsibilities and actively participate in civic life. He noted that graduates trained in these emerging disciplines could play a vital role in enhancing public engagement in elections, policymaking, and legislative processes.
Highlighting India’s electoral system, the Speaker remarked that the country’s election management framework is widely recognised globally for its transparency, credibility, and scale. He encouraged young scholars to undertake rigorous study and research on India’s electoral processes to further strengthen institutional integrity and democratic trust.
He also stressed that effective democratic functioning requires well trained, competent, and sensitive public representatives and parliamentary officials. In this context, he referred to the contributions of the PRIDE Institute of the Indian Parliament, which has organised capacity building programmes for Members and parliamentary officials from more than 110 countries, reinforcing India’s parliamentary traditions and sharing institutional expertise at the global level.
Addressing the role of technology in democratic systems, Om Birla said that technological tools should not be confined merely to administrative convenience. Instead, technology must be leveraged to educate, inform, and empower voters, thereby deepening democratic participation and accountability. In a vast and diverse democracy like India, he noted, election management is a complex and scientific process that demands impartiality, technical proficiency, and continuous innovation.
Concluding his address, the Speaker expressed confidence that the initiative undertaken by O P Jindal Global University would nurture young leaders capable of setting new benchmarks in democratic awareness, public service, policymaking, and journalism. He extended his best wishes to the university administration, faculty, and students for the successful implementation of the programmes and for their future contributions to the nation.
The ceremony was attended by academicians, policymakers, students, and distinguished guests, marking the formal launch of programmes aimed at strengthening democratic education and civic responsibility in India.
