Both Houses of parliament - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha - recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters

LAWMAKERS in India celebrated the 60th anniversary of parliament on Sunday (May 13), resolving to ‘uphold and maintain its dignity, sanctity and supremacy’ while working to ‘strengthen democratic values’.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, President Pratibha Patil, vice-president Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar were joined by MPs, chief ministers, governors, former presidents and speakers at the event in the Central Hall of Parliament House on Sunday.

India’s parliament has become notorious for its unruly scenes with MPs disrupting proceedings by shouting slogans and staging mass walkouts, holding up the passage of bills and reforms.

In his remarks on Sunday, Dr Singh acknowledged that the disruptions led “many outside to question the efficacy of the institution and faith in public affairs”.

He said the manner in which the MPs have conducted themselves led to a sense of “frustration and disillusionment” among ordinary citizens.

“If we have to resolve, if we have to restore the prestige of the institution then each one of us needs to lead by example,” the prime minister said.

Both Houses of parliament - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha - recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during the struggle for independence and the role played by the founding fathers of the Constitution.

President Pratibha Patil released two coins of Rs5 and Rs10 denominations to mark the special occasion.

Among some of the distinguished guests were former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former speakers Somnath Chatterjee and P Sangma.

Guests enjoyed performances by renowned santoor player Shiv Kumar Sharma, classical vocalist Shubha Mudgal and sitar player Debu Chaudhuri.

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