Madam President,
Mr. Vice President,
Mr. Prime Minister,
Madam Speaker,
Madam Leader of the Opposition
Union Cabinet Ministers,
Election Commissioners
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ten years ago, I stood on this dais to congratulate the Election Commission of India when I attended its Golden Jubilee. A decade later, it is a pleasure for me to be here again, this time on its Diamond Jubilee. 60 in our traditions is a most significant landmark, a time for both celebration and reflection.

After Mahatma Gandhi had led us to freedom from colonial bondage, when India began establishing the foundations of its parliamentary democracy under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, many believed that it would not hold together for long, and that a democratic political framework was not suited to India. How wrong they were.

At that time when our leaders faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges, they took a huge leap of faith in giving us universal adult franchise. This single step has proved to be a most powerful instrument of empowerment. Their decision appears even more remarkable when it is seen in its international context-full voting rights in most advanced nations became a reality only after long periods, and in some cases protracted struggle.

Over the past six decades, by ensuring representation across a most diverse and variegated society, parliamentary democracy in our country has made for responsible and responsive governance. The deepening of democracy has been facilitated immensely by many institutions, foremost amongst which is undoubtedly the Election Commission.

Management of elections in our country has evolved into a model that has drawn international attention and acclaim. There was a time when multiple ballot boxes were used, with each party having a separate ballot box marked with its own symbol, as there was an apprehension about the Indian voters' ability to make the right choice if all the names and symbols were printed on a single ballot. Today, we have moved beyond ballot boxes to the use of Electronic Voting Machines. Indeed, the Election Commission has been a pioneer in the use of new technology and I am confident that it will persist in this role.

An occasion such as this also offers an opportunity to introspect. We have travelled a long way from the days when lakhs of women were hesitant even to disclose their own names for enrollment as voters. Today in many parts women voter turnout exceeds that of male voters. When we assembled here to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, I spoke of the necessity of giving adequate representation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies as we have done in institutions of local self government such as Panchayats and Nagarpalikas. We have taken the first step by introducing legislation in the Upper House, but unfortunately we are still some distance from its becoming a reality.

We need to constantly engage ourselves in finding lasting solutions to some other challenges that affect our electoral democracy. Over the past few years, some important steps have been taken. For instance, disclosure norms have been introduced so that people are better informed about their candidates. The Model Code of Conduct has brought about a huge change and ensured a level-playing field to a very great extent. But we need to do more, for instance, in contending with the influence of money and muscle power. We must strive for even greater transparency. We also need to build a consensus on how to prevent individuals with a criminal record from contesting elections.

Elections necessarily involve victory and defeat. The maturity and resilience of our democracy can be judged by the manner in which governments have come and gone. That is the hallmark of a mature democracy-governments and contestants being voted out and the verdict of the people being accepted without question. For this the Election Commission deserves appreciation. The processes and procedures it follows in the run-up to elections and during elections themselves command wide-spread credibility and acceptance.

I also take this opportunity to greet the lakhs of polling staff and security personnel involved in the election process. With a great sense of devotion and dedication, they brave all odds in some cases overcoming natural hazards to ensure that voters exercise their choice.

I once again congratulate the Election Commission for its manifold contributions to the strengthening of the edifice of parliamentary democracy in our country. May its 60th anniversary presage an even more effective role for it.

Thank you,