India inspired by religious and cultural nationalism: Speaker

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, while addressing the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney today, said India was a country inspired by religious and cultural nationalism, where 140 crore people live as a family despite having different religions and cultures.

Pathania said the countrymen celebrate Diwali, Eid and Christmas together, which shows country’s commitment towards unity and integrity. “Pathania said the country follows mythological traditions and we still consider our guests as a god,” Pathania said on the concluding day of the conference which started on November 3 at the Sydney International Convention Centre.

Pathania said that India’s technological prowess was cited across the world and Himachal Pradesh was also moving ahead in technology. “The e-Vidhan model of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has drawn praise from everywhere. We are the first in the entire country to implement the e-Vidhan system and now we are going to adopt the national e-Vidhan,” he said.

Many public representatives from the country and abroad were present on this occasion. The topic selected for discussion on the last day of the conference was “Combating Discriminatory Laws: 365 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”.

Speaking on the issue, Pathania said gender-based violence was a violation of human rights that affects people across all demographics and disproportionately impacts women and marginalised groups. “It encompasses a range of harmful behaviour, including physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse of individuals based on their gender. Gender-based violence not only causes serious physical and psychological harm but also promotes systemic inequality and discrimination, thereby impeding progress towards gender equality and social justice,” he said.

After the conference, the Speaker will proceed be on a study tour to three countries, namely, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.