I feel privileged and honoured, in associating myself with this event, organised in honour of the founder Director of CBI, late Shri D.P. Kohli. The credibility and trust that the agency enjoys today and its growth into a multi-disciplinary investigating agency is largely attributed, also, to his vision and efforts.

Shri Kohli wanted that the outstanding performance of Constables and Head Constables in investigations, should be duly recognised by the institution of an award. The same is given each year on the occasion of the memorial lecture in the name of Shri Kohli.

This year`s distinguished awardee is the late Shri Vijay Pal Singh. He is being conferred this award, posthumously, for his outstanding contribution in working out some of the high profile cases. Shri Singh was a highly competent Constable and this is a fitting recognition of the disciplined, dedicated and sincere services rendered by him to the Organisation and the cause of justice. It is truly sad, that such a promising young career was cut short by his accidental death on duty.

In this worthy effort of recognizing services rendered, the present Director of CBI, Shri Mishra has taken further initiative to honour today the former CBI Directors for their rich contribution in making CBI a credible institution. I compliment the present Director for the initiative.

I would also like to take this opportunity to assure officers and staff of the CBI that the Government would take all necessary measures to enhance the efficacy of the Agency and to strengthen the enthusiasm, initiative and enterprise of its staff. The Government will ensure that the CBI will soon have its own Headquarters building. The proposal of the CBI to grant 25% special allowance to CBI officials upto a certain rank shall be taken up by me with the Hon`ble Prime Minister.

The choice of Shri Somnath Chatterjee, Hon`ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, as the Chief Guest for the 6^th memorial lecture in the name of Shri Kohli is a befitting one. The topic of the lecture, "Parliamentary Democracy in India - Present and Future" is highly relevant. Shri Chatterjee is a veteran Parliamentarian, distinguished lawyer and constitutional expert. His presence amongst us is a great honour and privilege.

he system of democracy is not new to India. It was being practiced in this land from many a millennia. The Rig Veda mentions the institutions of Sabha and Samiti. The rule of the Lichavees and the practices in the janpad of Vaishali are some of the better known examples of the practice of democracy in Bharatvarsha. These institutions of ancient India took collective decisions, after deliberations and debate, reflecting in the best terms possible, the will of the people. The Parliamentary democracy, in its present form, however, came with the adoption of our Constitution almost 55 years back. At that time, even though the population size was large, our Constitution makers provided for universal franchise. The experience of these years shows that the faith reposed in the people of this country by our founding fathers has not been betrayed.

People, by and large, have exercised their right of franchise with great maturity and a sense of responsibility. Governments have been changed at the will of the people and even persons with huge resources have been defeated at the polls. Indian democracy has not only survived but has also flourished and taken firm roots. 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional amendments have taken Indian democracy to the grass-root levels. Today, our democracy is much more participatory and purposeful, as is evident from the fact, that the people who were, not long ago, considered downtrodden and deprived, are active participants in the governance of the country. This is one of the most significant achievements of our parliamentary democracy considering the fact that a number of developing countries saw collapse of democracy within a few years of its adoption.

The system has been buttressed by an independent judiciary which has very effectively protected the rights and freedom of the citizens and ensured the rule of law. Free Press in our country has served as a powerful watchdog of the people. The media has effectively ensured people's participation in the democratic process by publishing news and various shades of opinion and by providing a forum for people to air their concerns and views. To further strengthen our democracy and to suit the requirement of the changing times, we have also created institutional mechanism to address some of the major issues of concern to our polity and society. Various Commissions have been created by the Parliament to meet the specific needs. Adoption of Committee system in Parliament to ensure in-depth consideration of matters and to secure greater administrative accountability is another major innovation of our Parliamentary democracy.

In a democratic polity, institutions that ensure transparency in the public administrative setup are a necessity. Over the years, the CBI has gained the trust not only of the executive, parliament/legislature and judiciary but above all the people of this country.

The country has made tremendous socio-economic progress. We are fast emerging as a major economic global power. Our international stature has also significantly grown and today we are looking forward for a permanent seat in the Security Council. These are by no means small achievements of a young democracy. At the same time we should not be satisfied with these achievements. We have to go a long way in attaining the desired goal of providing social, economic and political justice to all.

I have no doubt that the inner strength of our democracy is sufficiently capable of handling the problems of our country. This institution is our guarantee to a more satisfying future.

Once again, on this occasion, I extend to the CBI my heartiest congratulations and wish the organization success in living up to the expectations of the country.

Thank you.