Chairman, Rajya Sabha Hosts Luncheon for BRICS Member and Partner Countries

The Chairman, Rajya Sabha, C. P. Radhakrishnan today hosted a luncheon for the Presiding Officers and Leaders of Delegations of BRICS Member and Partner Countries participating in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at Parliament of India, New Delhi.

The event was attended by Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha; Hon’ble Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Parliaments of BRICS and partner countries; Hon’ble Union Ministers; Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha ; Secretaries-General of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, alongside officials from BRICS and partner nations, and other distinguished guests.

Welcoming the Excellencies and dignitaries to the Parliament of India, the Chairman observed that they were assembled at a historic venue that serves as the nerve centre of India’s parliamentary democracy, which has evolved through the ages from the grassroots to the apex level. He emphasized that democracy is not a new concept to Bharat, noting that history reveals democracy existed in places like Vaishali in the North, while Chola rulers adopted the “kudavolai” system in the South. It is due to this deep-rooted heritage that Bharat is rightly called the Mother of Democracy.

Highlighting the growing significance of BRICS, Shri Radhakrishnan remarked that the forum has evolved into a vital pillar of global cooperation. He described BRICS as a platform where diverse cultures, rich histories, and dynamic economies converge with a shared commitment to building a balanced, inclusive, and prosperous world order. He added that the deliberations and discussions during the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum reflect the collective determination of member and partner nations to address global challenges through solidarity, dialogue, and mutual trust.(updated on 27th October 2026)