Cutting across party lines, leaders asserted that supremacy of Parliament must be preserved, holding that laws are made by it and not mobs, apparently a reference to civil society campaign against Parliamentarians while pressing for setting up of Lokpal.
The leaders took pride in the fact that India has managed to hold on to democracy and was a shining example in the world despite many pressing problems like acute poverty, sustained terrorism and hiccups for democracy in the neighbourhood.
However, a faint reference was made to the brief period of Emergency of 1970s, which was corrected constitutionally soon after.
At the end of the day-long debate, both the Houses passed unanimous resolutions to "uphold and maintain the dignity, sanctity and supremacy of Parliament" and to "make it an effective instrument of change" while strengthening democratic values and principles.
The members in both the Houses also resolved to enhance the accountability of the government towards the people through the oversight of Parliament.
There were some cynical voices which referred to similar resolutions passed on the occasion of 50th anniversary of India's independence when a vow was taken not to resort to disruptions.
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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who set the tone for introspection as he flagged concerns in the Rajya Sabha over "repeated disruptions" and "unwillingness" for discussions, pressed for "substantive and sincere" introspection.
Winding up a day-long discussion in the Lok Sabha marking the 60th year of the first sitting of Parliament, he said public disenchantment is bound to rise if parties fail to collectively resolve to restore prestige of the institution. (MORE)