Seychelles’ Parliament Speaker exchanges views with Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today held a bilateral parliamentary dialogue with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Ms. Azarel Yolanda Ernesta, and the distinguished Parliamentary Delegation from Seychelles at the Parliament House Complex.

Welcoming Ms. Azarel Ernesta, Shri Birla congratulated her on her historic election as the first woman Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles. Recalling with warmth his earlier interaction with Ms. Ernesta during the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) held in New Delhi earlier this year, Shri Birla appreciated her abiding interest in India’s spiritual traditions, particularly Yoga. He also warmly acknowledged her devotion to Goddess Ma Kali.

Reflecting on the deep and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles, Shri Birla congratulated Seychelles on the 50th anniversary of its Independence as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He observed that the relationship between India and Seychelles transcends the conventional contours of diplomacy, being enriched by centuries-old civilisational connections, a vibrant Indian diaspora and enduring people-to-people ties.

Recalling Ms. Ernesta’s earlier association with India, Shri Birla noted that she had participated in a training programme organised by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), now PRIDE.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Azarel Ernesta expressed her gratitude to Shri Birla for the warm hospitality extended to her and the Parliamentary Delegation. Recalling her earlier visit to the Parliament of India during CSPOC, she said, “India has my heart.” Describing India as the “mother of democracy”, Ms. Ernesta fondly recalled her long-standing association with India. She observed that Indians were among the earliest settlers in Seychelles and that Indic culture is deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric of the island nation.

Dr. D. Purandeswari, MP; Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, MP; and Smt. Himadri Singh, MP, were also present on the occasion. (updated on 2nd Sept. 2026)