New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday bid farewell to 59 of its retiring members, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging them to remain active in the service of the nation and its people while noting that there is no full stop in politics.
The Prime Minister lauded the contribution of the members, whose tenures will end between April and July, and called Parliament an “open university” that offers an opportunity to gain insight into intricate nuances of life.
Among those retiring are former prime minister HD Devegowda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and veteran politician Sharad Pawar, who have been in active politics for over five decades. Pawar has already been re-elected to the upper House. One-third of the Rajya Sabha members retire every two years.
Modi reserved special praise for the three senior leaders, calling them stalwarts who have spent more than half their lives in parliamentary proceedings.
“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,” he said.
“Such a long tenure is no small feat – it is a matter of immense significance.”
Addressing the upper House on the occasion of the farewell, Modi said such moments naturally dissolve partisan divides.
“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.
To members who do not plan to return, the Prime Minister offered reassurance. “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.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh, saying he is “gentle and soft-spoken” yet “a man of rigorous action, constantly working for the betterment of every corner of India”.
In a lighter vein, the Prime Minister singled out Union Minister Ramdas Athawale. Lamenting that wit and humour in the House had declined in the age of round-the-clock media – “everyone has become extremely self-conscious”, he said.
“While members come and go, our 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,” Modi quipped.
