Prime Minister praises departing MPs, highlights democratic ethos of bicameral system; Chairman calls retirement a “new beginning”.
BuzzBytes
New Delhi, Mar 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the contributions of 59 members retiring from the Rajya Sabha between April and July, describing Parliament as an “open university” and urging them to remain active in national life.
Addressing the Upper House during the biennial farewell, Modi said such occasions naturally transcend partisan divides and reflect a shared democratic spirit.
“When an occasion such as this arises — naturally and spontaneously — we rise above partisan differences, and a shared sentiment emerges within us all,” he said.
Reassuring members who may not return to Parliament, the Prime Minister remarked, “In politics, there is no such thing as a full stop. The future awaits you as well, and your experience and contributions will forever remain an enduring part of our national life.”
Modi reserved special praise for senior leaders including former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, calling them stalwarts who have devoted decades to parliamentary life.
“The manner in which they continue to attend the House with such dedication — a spirit from which all new parliamentarians ought to learn — is truly exemplary. Such a long tenure is no small feat — it is a matter of immense significance,” he said.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, describing him as “gentle and soft-spoken” yet “a man of rigorous action”.
“Even when the House is not in session, he travels to various corners of the country to interact with the youth, working tirelessly to foster a sense of national consciousness among them,” Modi said.
In a lighter vein, Modi praised Union Minister Ramdas Athawale for his wit and humour, noting that such qualities have declined in the era of round-the-clock media.
“While members come and go, Athawale-ji is truly evergreen. He is departing, yet I am confident that no one here will feel a void; he will continue to serve and contribute tirelessly,” he added.
Reflecting on India’s bicameral parliamentary system, Modi likened the legislative process to seeking a “second opinion” to strengthen democratic decision-making.
“Whenever a significant decision must be made in life, family members often sit together to reach a consensus; yet, even then, they suggest — ‘Why don’t you consult him? Just get a second opinion from that senior figure,’” he said.
“A decision taken in one House goes to the other for a second opinion. This gives new direction to the entire debate and the decision-making process,” he added.
The Prime Minister also noted that some outgoing members had the rare distinction of serving in both the old and new Parliament buildings, calling a six-year Rajya Sabha tenure a transformative experience.
“The House serves as an open university. It offers the opportunity to gain insight into the intricate nuances of national life. In a sense, one receives both formal education and initiation here. The experience gained in Parliament is truly expansive,” he said.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan opened the proceedings by noting that 59 members from 20 states, including nine women members, will retire between April and July upon completion of their terms.
He explained that the retirement of one-third of members every two years ensures continuity in the functioning of the Council of States while also allowing new members to join and enrich parliamentary deliberations.
Radhakrishnan described Deve Gowda as “a distinguished leader whose presence has added great stature to the House” and said Kharge has been “an important voice in the democratic functioning” of Parliament across both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
On Harivansh, he said the Deputy Chairman had presided over the House with “dignity, impartiality and a deep sense of responsibility,” and his contributions to international parliamentary platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the BRICS Parliamentary Forum would be remembered with great regard.
Urging members to view their retirement positively, the Chairman said, “Retirement should not be viewed as an end but as the beginning of new roles and responsibilities.”
He concluded with a philosophical note, saying that while individuals may retire, their good deeds and public service continue to live on.
“The retiring members of this House have, through their public service and dedication, created enduring contributions that will remain part of the legacy of this institution,” he said.
