There was full-throated endorsement of India's parliamentary democracy and all round condemnation of terrorism which sought to subvert it.
Parliamentarians from over 85 countries, who gathered in New Delhi to attend a three-day conference on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the Indian Parliament, heard from India how India had been a victim of terrorism well before 9/11 and understood how much effort was needed to protect democracy from the threat of terrorism.
The issue of terrorism was brought into sharp focus when President APJ Abdul Kalam, vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi, all pointed out that not just India but the whole world faced a terrorist threat and the sooner it was sensitised to it, the better for the entire commmunity.
"How can parliamentarians strengthen mutual cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism, which have become a big threat to peace, democracy and the civilised world order?", asked the Prime Minister while addressing the opening session.
Echoing those sentiments, Kalam said cross-border terrorism and insurgency were not restricted to one country or a region, but had emerged as a global threat to peace and harmony of humankind.
A highlight of the three-day conference, for which Pakistan has not been invited, is a discussion on ways to combat terrorism. It would also deliberate on themes like parliamentary practices and procedures and need for reform to secure greater executive accountability and Parliament in the era of globalisation and liberalisation.
In a moment of rare reflection, given the background of the time wasted by the Indian Parliament in squabbling, the the Prime Minister said economies were becoming increasingly integrated and people's demands even more pressing. All parliamentary democracies should ensurethat the rough and tumble of electoral politics brought such persons to office who could actually handle the complex tasks of governance.
"Differences and their well-researched, articulate expression both inside and outside parliament are the very stuff of democracy. It is what lends vibrancy to democracy, said the PM.
