Delhi Assembly marks 100 yrs of 1st Speaker’s election

The All India Speakers’ Conference 2025 opened on a historic note at the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Sunday, marking 100 years since Shri Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel became the first Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925.

The inaugural session paid tribute to Patel’s legacy and reflected on India’s democratic traditions, with leaders underscoring that the country is truly the “Mother of Democracy”.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, addressing the first session on the theme “Role of Nationalist Leaders of the Pre-Independence Central Legislatures in Freedom Movement and Social Reforms”, described the Assembly chamber as a “living witness” to the courage and sacrifice of leaders who used the institution to inspire the freedom struggle under colonial rule.

“Every stone of the chamber bore the legacy of noble souls who contributed uniquely to India’s struggle for independence,” he said.

Marking the centenary of Patel’s election, Shekhawat urged that a dedicated session be held in his honour. He traced the evolution of the Assembly from the Governor-General’s Council to the Constituent Assembly and today’s Parliament, emphasising the responsibility of present leaders to uphold the vision of India’s forefathers.

In the second session, themed “India – The Mother of Democracy”, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh stressed that India’s democratic ethos is deeply rooted in its traditions, scriptures and lived institutions. “Indian democracy was not imported from elsewhere; its roots lie deep within our own traditions, epics, and philosophies, where dharma and morality always guided power,” he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, welcoming dignitaries including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Speaker Vijender Gupta and Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, said the conference was “a historic moment for democracy.”

She recalled how Vithalbhai Patel’s election as the first Indian Speaker a century ago was “a decisive step towards breaking the shackles of slavery and igniting the flame of democracy in India.”

The Chief Minister lauded Patel for setting high standards of parliamentary dignity and impartiality, noting that his leadership became a guiding light in India’s journey to becoming the “Mother of Democracy.” She also praised commemorative initiatives including exhibitions, documentaries and a postage stamp dedicated to Patel.

Highlighting recent initiatives of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, such as solar energy adoption, e-Vidhan and e-filing, the Chief Minister credited the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for strengthening democratic practices. She said the two-day conference would also include visits to the Panchteerth sites dedicated to Babasaheb Ambedkar in Delhi.

Concluding her address, the Chief Minister called on representatives to work collectively to “deepen the roots of democracy and contribute to policy-making for the welfare of the people.”