India, Oct. 29 -- LAKHIMPUR KHERI Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday underscored that while differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, every disagreement must be met with mutual respect - a core teaching of 15th-century poet and social reformer Saint Kabir Das.

In his 17-minute address, the Speaker emphasised Kabir's call for self-introspection. "A person in society is not remembered for his post or designation, but by his deeds and contribution to society," Birla said speaking at the 60th birth anniversary celebrations of Sant Asang Dev Ji Maharaj at the Kabirdham Ashram here.

He noted that Kabir's preachings in the local dialect challenged the hypocrisy, casteism and religious rigidities of his era, promoting empathy, equ...