New Delhi, Mar 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told retiring members of the Rajya Sabha that politics knew no full stops, assuring them that their accumulated experience and contributions would remain a permanent part of the nation’s life even as they left the House.
“In politics, there are no full stops; your experience and contribution will forever remain a part of the nation’s life,” Modi said, addressing the farewell function for the retiring batch — which holds the distinction of having served in both the old and the new Parliament buildings during their tenure.
The Prime Minister suggested the new generation of MPs should look to veterans such as H.D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sharad Pawar as role models, and praised Deputy Chairman Harivansh for his soft-spoken conduct and ability to maintain the House’s trust while handling complex situations. “There is much to learn from these senior leaders about staying entirely committed to the responsibilities given by society,” he said.
Reflecting on the institutional value of the Rajya Sabha, Modi described the concept of a “second opinion” — decisions passing between two Houses — as a massive contribution to Indian democracy. “This second opinion is a massive contribution to our democracy that we must cherish,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the retirement of a group every two years ensured a continuous exchange of knowledge between outgoing and incoming members, preserving the House’s rich legislative legacy. He described the Rajya Sabha as a “great open university” that gave members a unique education in the complexities of national life. “The six years spent here are invaluable for shaping one’s contribution to the nation and for self-growth,” he said.
Modi expressed confidence that the retiring members’ vision and capacity had expanded manifold through their years of parliamentary experience, and said their contributions to nation-building would continue to be felt whether they served within the formal system or through independent social work.
