Speaker of Rajasthan Assembly Vasudev Devnani’s London Study Visit

Speaker of Rajasthan Assembly Vasudev Devnani’s London Study Visit and Preparations for the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani undertook a study visit to London prior to attending the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), held from October 5 to 12, 2025, in Bridgetown, Barbados. This visit was designed to complement the main conference, allowing Devnani to study parliamentary systems, legislative processes, democratic values, transparency, digital legislature initiatives, and women’s safety in different countries.

During the London visit, Devnani offered floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square, reflecting on Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, and love, which continue to inspire people worldwide. He also visited the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar House Museum, where Ambedkar pursued his studies and conducted research on social justice, economic policies, and caste-based societal structures. Devnani carefully reviewed Ambedkar’s rare writings and noted in the visitor book that the museum is a sacred site of immense significance for Indians.

Further, Devnani visited the Savarkar House, a historic center of India’s revolutionary movement, where Vinayak Damodar Savarkar authored works on the freedom struggle and Shyam Krishna Verma established the India House hostel and nationalist center.

During his stay, Devnani also met London Mayor Anjana Patel, the first British-Tanzanian Indian to hold the position, and Bob Blackman, a four-time MP and Padma Shri awardee, to discuss the contributions and challenges of the Indian diaspora. He shared innovations and achievements of the Rajasthan Assembly on the global stage.

At London’s National Portrait Gallery, Devnani viewed the official portrait of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, painted by Sir John Lavery in 1921, highlighting India’s royal heritage and its recognition on international platforms. He also attended the Navratri closing ceremony organized by the Indian diaspora, which included prominent community members and Bob Blackman.

This London visit proved highly insightful and enriching. Following the study tour, Devnani will participate in the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, representing India along with the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, 36 presiding officers from 24 states and union territories, and 16 secretaries.

Through this journey and the upcoming conference, Devnani gained international parliamentary exposure while showcasing the innovations and democratic contributions of the Rajasthan Assembly on a global platform.