Rijiju says India offers unmatched freedom of expression, hails unsung social workers at awards

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said the country's progress does not belong to any one person but is a shared journey of the whole society. He was speaking as chief guest at the Amazing Indian Awards 2026. He spoke at length on India's changing development story, strong economic growth, resilient democratic system and the growing impact of technology.

The event honoured social workers who work with full dedication, without seeking publicity or rewards. Rijiju called such people the real "Hidden Gems" of society. In his view, their contribution to strengthening the nation's foundation is unmatched. Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi were among the prominent guests present.

Giving a message of unity, Rijiju said, "This is a journey that all of us have to complete together. We will face every problem on the way with courage, and only when all of us succeed, personally and socially, will the real nation succeed." He told those present that everyone belongs to one family and one team. Views and opinions may differ, he said, but this diversity of thought is the true beauty and strength of Indian society.

Recalling his early political career, the minister said that when he entered Parliament as a young MP a few decades ago, he worried about why India was lagging behind other major economies. According to Rijiju, every Indian today feels proud on seeing the country's astonishing economic growth. India is now one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. He stressed that the benefits of this growth should not be limited to the present generation but should reach generations to come.

Rijiju made it clear that if any section of society is being left behind in this pace of development, taking it along is the primary responsibility of both the government and society. Repeating the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", he stressed the need for inclusive development.

Speaking on democracy and freedom of expression, he praised the Indian system. Rijiju said that in a vast democracy like India, citizens are fully free to question the government, express dissent and hold independent views. He said, "You will not find as much freedom of expression anywhere in the world as in India, where citizens can speak openly from morning till evening." He also remarked wryly that those who speak the most are often the ones who complain loudest that there is no freedom in the democracy. Describing an interaction with a group of students from Maharashtra, he praised the energy of young people and their questions.

At the end of the event, Rijiju gratefully recalled the period of guidance he received from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior leader L.K. Advani. He said that generations, challenges and circumstances may change with time, but the purpose of serving the country never changes.