English rendering of PM's address at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Lok Sabhas of Commonwealth Countries

India, Jan. 15 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla ji, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh ji, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Ms. Tulia Ackson, President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Mr. Christopher Kalila, Speakers and Presiding Officers from Commonwealth countries, other delegates, ladies and gentlemen!

Friends,

In a parliamentary democracy, your role is that of the Speaker. Interestingly, the Speaker does not get to speak much. Their job is listening to others speak, and ensuring everybody gets a chance. One common thing about speakers is their patience. They handle even noisy and over-enthusiastic members with a smile.

Friends,...