New Delhi, March 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised 59 members retiring from the Rajya Sabha, describing Parliament as an “open university” and urging the outgoing lawmakers to remain active in public life.
Addressing the Upper House during a biennial farewell, Modi said such occasions naturally rise above political divisions and bring out a shared sense of purpose among members.
“When an occasion such as this arises, we rise above partisan differences, and a shared sentiment emerges within us all,” he said.
The Prime Minister told members who may not return to Parliament that their political journeys were far from over.
“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,” he said.
Modi paid special tribute to three senior leaders — former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and NCP chief Sharad Pawar — saying they had spent more than half their lives in parliamentary proceedings.
He said their continued presence in the House, marked by discipline and commitment, was something younger parliamentarians should learn from.
The Prime Minister also praised outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh, calling him “gentle and soft-spoken” but also a man of “rigorous action” who had worked consistently for national causes.
Modi said Harivansh continued to travel across the country even when Parliament was not in session, engaging with young people and encouraging national awareness.
In a lighter moment, he referred to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale as “evergreen”, saying humour in Parliament had declined in the age of round-the-clock media but that Athawale’s presence remained distinctive.
Reflecting on India’s bicameral parliamentary system, Modi likened the movement of legislation between the two Houses to seeking a “second opinion”, saying the process strengthens democratic debate and improves decision-making.
He also noted that some outgoing members had the unusual distinction of serving in both the old and new Parliament buildings, and described a six-year Rajya Sabha term as a transformative experience.
“The House serves as an open university. It offers the opportunity to gain insight into the intricate nuances of national life,” he said.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan opened the proceedings by saying that 59 members from 20 states, including nine women, would retire between April and July after completing their terms.
He said the retirement of one-third of the House every two years ensured institutional continuity while allowing new members to join and enrich debates in the Council of States.
Radhakrishnan also praised Mr Deve Gowda, Mr Kharge and Mr Harivansh for their long service and contributions to the House, and urged all outgoing members to see retirement not as an end but as the start of a new chapter in public life.
PTI
