farewell address by Chairman, Rajya Sabha to retiring Members

New Delhi :- Hon’ble Members, it is an emotional occasion for all of us as we bid farewell to our 68 esteemed colleagues, retiring between February and  May following completion of their terms. I am sure, the retiring members too would be departing with a profound sense of contentment for their efforts in advancing the interest of Bharat and every Bharatiya. Please allow me to express our profound appreciation for the distinguished service rendered by each one of our esteemed retiring colleagues. Their contribution will be fondly remembered and the wisdom they shared would be greatly missed.

Hon’ble Members, these hallowed chambers of Parliament are the sanctum sanctorum of the temple of democracy. It’s a distinct honour and a rare privilege to be able to serve our motherland from the platform of this House. This very House represents the diversity of views that our vibrant democracy shares but at the same time it reflects the unity of our purpose as well. We are here with a singular commitment of serving this great land. You all have etched your name in history for being part of the democratic process in effecting transformational epochal events. During this period, the Council of States saw many important events and to name few: Deletion of Article 370 - a temporary provision of our Constitution, Securing reservation for women to the extent of 1/3 in Lok Sabha and State Legislature.

Hon’ble Members, Use of Indian languages increased. Dogri, Kashmiri, Konkani and Santhali were used for the first time during discussions in the House. Arrangements were put in place for the members to speak in any of the 22 languages. The Panel of Vice-chairpersons underwent a new change – Many first time members presided over the Council.   In togetherness we have strived to ensure that this temple of democracy sustains its relevance by being a theatre of dialogue, debate, deliberation and discussion.   Hon’ble Members, working with you and serving as your Chairman is an honour beyond description. You  available this extraordinary privilege and learning platform for me and your colleagues.   The rich contributions by our retiring  colleagues  have significantly enhanced the quality of discourse that are vital to our nation. The House and its Committees stand greatly enriched by their active and constructive participation.  The retirement of Chairmen of two Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees of Rajya Sabha, Shri Sushil Kumar Modi and Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, as well as one Standing Committee member, Dr. C. M. Ramesh, signifies the culmination of their impactful tenure in shaping legislative policies and scrutinizing government actions.

 Among those retiring are five of our esteemed women Members, Smt. Jaya Bachchan, Smt. Vandana Chavan,Smt. Kanta Kardam, Dr. Sonal Mansingh and Dr. Amee Yajnik. All of the five esteemed members had the occasion to be on the panel of vice chairpersons. I wholeheartedly extend my appreciation and gratitude for the invaluable contributions.  Hon’ble Members, amongst those who are retiring are also nine Ministers - Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Shri Narayan Rane, Shri Ashwini  Vaishnaw, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Shri Bhupendra Yadav, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Shri Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Shri V. Muraleedharan, Dr. L. Murugan, and   all of them have served this country with distinction by steering their respective Ministries to greater heights.  

  May I also place on record my appreciation to Members of the Panel of the Vice-Chairpersons whose contributions from this very Chair has richly enhanced the quality of debates that this House witnessed.  Hon’ble Members, the retirement of our esteemed colleagues will undoubtedly leave a void. However, it is often said that "Every beginning has an end and every end has a new beginning."   I am confident that these Members will continue to be actively engaged in public life, serving our nation in various capacities as one never retires from Public Service.   The wealth of parliamentary experience they have garnered during their tenure here, will undoubtedly prove as invaluable asset as they embark on new endeavors.

  I am sure that their guidance and mentorship will certainly be available to the society at large.   As Presiding Officer I will surely miss your participation in the deliberations of the House. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the retiring Members for their dedicated service and wish them every success in their future endeavors.   May you all continue to inspire and lead, making meaningful contributions to the welfare and progress of our nation