"We are not a perfect democracy but we are a functioning democracy with mechanisms and safeguards that allow for the reconciliation of diverse interests and differences.
"It is the vitality and vibrancy of our democracy that keeps the nation united and moving on the path of progress," he said addressing a function to commemorate the 60th anniversary of first sitting of Parliament.
Noting that many people often feel frustrated by disruption of Parliament, Singh said, "in our own way, each one of us shares the blame for this state of affairs."
However, he said the country was proud that both the Houses of Parliament have often burnt the proverbial midnight oil to discuss and debate some of the most important issues that concern the people of India and the world.
"We should firmly reject those who would mock the institutions of democracy that have developed over decades of experience," he said in an apparent reference to the civil society campaign in the last one year attacking Parliament and Parliamentarians.
The function, attended by leaders of major parties, former and sitting MPs, former President A P J Abdul Kalam, former Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, was held in the Central Hall of Parliament.
Four members of the first Parliament -- Rishang Keishing (now a member of the Rajya Sabha), Reshamlal Jangde (Chhattisgarh), Kandala Subramaniam (Andhra Pradesh) and K Mohan Rao (Andhra Pradesh) -- were honoured on the occasion by President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari, the Prime Minister and Speaker Meira Kumar. (MORE)
