Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

All respected senior parliamentarians,

First of all, I congratulate the hon’ble Chairman on behalf of this House and the whole country.  The position that you have reached today by coming from a normal family and moving ahead in the journey of life in the midst of struggles is an inspiration in itself for many people of the country. You are glorifying this dignified chair in the Upper House and I would like to say that the country’s happiness knows no bounds while witnessing the achievements of the son of Kithana.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

It is a pleasant occasion that today is also Armed Forces Flag Day.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

You come from Jhunjhunu and Jhunjhunu is the land of heroes. There would hardly be any family (in Jhunjhunu) which has not played a leading role in the service of the country. And it is also icing on the cake that you yourself have been a student of Sainik School. When I look at you as a farmer's son and a student of Sainik School, I see that you are both a farmer and a soldier.

I also wish all the countrymen on Armed Forces Flag Day on behalf of this House under your chairmanship. I salute the Armed Forces of the country on behalf of all the hon’ble members of this House.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

Today, this Upper House of the Parliament welcomes you at a time when the country has become witness to two important occasions. Just a few days back, the world has entrusted India with the responsibility of hosting the G-20 group. Also, this is the beginning of ‘Amrit Kaal’. This ‘Amrit Kaal’ will not only be the period for building a new developed India, but India will also play a very important role in deciding the future direction of the world during this period.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

Our democracy, our parliament and our parliamentary system will also play a very important role in this journey of India. I am glad that the Upper House has got an able and effective leadership like you in this crucial period. Under your guidance, all our members will perform their duties effectively and this House will become an effective platform in fulfilling the resolutions of the country.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

Today you are formally beginning your new responsibility as the head of the Upper House of Parliament. The first concern of the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of this Upper House is related to the interests of the common man standing at the lowest rung of the country. The country is aware of its responsibility and is following it with full responsibility in this period.

For the first time, the country's glorious tribal heritage is guiding us in the form of Her Excellency the President Smt. Draupadi Murmu. Earlier, Shri Ramnath Kovind ji had also reached the highest position of the country after emerging from such a deprived society. And now as the son of a farmer, you are also representing the energy of crores of countrymen, villages, poor and the farmers.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

Your life is proof of the fact that success is achieved not only through means, but through ‘sadhana’ (hard work). You have also seen the time when you used to walk several kilometers to go to school. What you did for villages, poor and the farmers is an example for every person in social life.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

You have more than three decades of experience as a senior advocate. I can say with confidence that you will not feel the absence of the court in the House, because in the Rajya Sabha there are a large number of people who used to meet you in the Supreme Court, and therefore, the same mood and temperament of the court will keep reminding you here.

You have also discharged your role as an MLA, MP, Union Minister and Governor. The one thing that remained common in all these roles is your dedication towards the development and democratic values of the country. Certainly, your experiences are very important for the country and democracy.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

Despite being in politics, you have been engaged in uniting everyone by rising above party lines. We clearly saw everyone's affinity for you even during the election of the Vice President. Achieving victory by securing 75% of the votes polled is important in itself.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

It is said in our country: नयति इति नायक i.e., the one who takes us ahead is the hero. Taking the lead is the real definition of leadership. This becomes more important in the context of the Rajya Sabha, because this House has the responsibility of furthering the democratic decisions in a more refined manner. Therefore, when this House gets a down to earth leader like you, I consider it a privilege for every member of the House.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

The Rajya Sabha has also been a carrier of the great democratic heritage of the country and has also been its strength. There have been many Prime Ministers who have served as Rajya Sabha members at one time or the other. The parliamentary journey of many outstanding leaders began from the Rajya Sabha. Therefore, a huge responsibility rests upon all of us to maintain and enhance the dignity of this House.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

I am sure that under your guidance, this House will take forward its legacy and dignity and will scale new heights. Serious debates and democratic discussions in the House will add to the glory as the mother of democracy.

Hon’ble Mr. Chairman,

Our former Vice President and former Chairman (Venkaiah Naidu) used to guide this House till the last session. His choice of words and sense of humour would always keep the House happy and there used to be several occasions for hearty laughter. I am sure that your quick-witted nature will never let us miss that absence and you will continue to benefit the House in the same manner.

With this, I convey my best wishes to you on behalf of the entire House and the country.

Thanks.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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DS/LP/VK/AK