Ayyanna Patrudu Bats for Stronger Parliamentary Democracy
AP Speaker highlights human rights, inclusive governance and global peace
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu participated in the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, where legislators and Presiding Officers discussed strengthening international law and parliamentary democracy amid a changing world order.
Held under the theme “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership”, the conference focused on challenges facing democratic institutions and governance.
Ayyanna Patrudu participated in workshops on fair trade and economic equity, accessible and inclusive parliaments, climate adaptation and resilience, artificial intelligence in governance, human rights and global peace, and post-legislative scrutiny.
He was accompanied by Legislature Secretary-General Prasanna Kumar Suryadevara.
During his visit, the Speaker visited Robben Island, where former South African President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and paid tributes to him.
Ayyanna Patrudu recalled Mandela’s struggle against apartheid and said his life was a testament to sacrifice, forgiveness and human dignity. He stressed the need for parliamentary institutions to uphold freedom, equality and human rights.
He also recalled visiting Mandela’s residence in Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg Railway Station and the Phoenix Settlement associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s life and Satyagraha. He said such experiences reinforced the need to educate future generations about freedom fighters and the values that enabled people to live in freedom.
