Published By : Admin |
September 27, 2014 | 22:48 IST
Share
How are you doing, New York... I hope, you are having, a good time...
Namaste. My greetings, to all those, watching on TVs, laptops, tablets and phones, as well.
This, is a great city. It has assimilated, the world, in itself. Today, you have shown, that you also care, for the world outside.
I am truly delighted, to be here. In the open Central Park. And not inside, a closed Conference Room... Among the Youth. Among you. Because, you are the future. What you do Today, will decide, our Tomorrow.
I feel, a current of hope, in this Park. Among you, I feel confident about the future...
You are touching, the lives of those, who are not as fortunate, as you are. What an admirable act, this is. What a sacred mission.
For you to think, about those, who are far. Whose faces, you have not seen. Whose names, you do not know. Whose nationality, does not matter to you.
For you to convert, your thoughts into action. And devote, your time, and energy. So that others, may have a better future too.
Those living in poverty. Without education. Without basic sanitation. Without opportunity. And worse, without hope.
I salute you. I feel proud, of each one of you. I am sure, your families, your friends, your nation, feels just as proud.
Some believe, that the world changes, with the wisdom of the old. I think, that the idealism, innovation, energy and ‘can do’ attitude, of the youth, is even more powerful.
That is my hope, for India too. 800 million youth, joining hands, to transform our nation. To put, the light of hope, in every eye. And, the joy of belief, in every heart. Lift people, out of poverty. Put clean water, and sanitation, within the reach of all. Make healthcare, available to all. A roof, over every head.
I know, it is possible... Because, I feel, a new sense of purpose, energy, and will, in India. Because, India’s youth, can see that, you are joining hands, with them. Because, I believe, that we can speak with one voice. For one future...
That, is why, I am here. Because, I believe in you...
Let me end, with a few lines in Sanskrit, that inspire me, personally:
May All, be prosperous, and happy. May All, be free from illness. May All, see what is spiritually uplifting. May no one, suffer. Om Peace, Peace, Peace...
Thank you once again, for having me over. Thanks in particular, to Hugh Jackman here.
The legacy here is a continuous process that enriches our parliamentary system: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha
March 18, 2026
Share
In politics, there are no full stops; your experience and contribution will forever remain a part of the nation’s life: PM
There is much to learn from these senior leaders about staying entirely committed to the responsibilities given by society: PM
The legacy here is a continuous process that enriches our parliamentary system: PM
Parliamentary system gains immense strength from the concept of a second opinion; This second opinion is a massive contribution to our democracy that we must cherish: PM
The six years spent here are invaluable for shaping one's contribution to the nation and for self-growth: PM
The invaluable contributions of the retiring members to nation-building would continue to be felt whether they serve within the formal system or through independent social work: PM
On this special occasion, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given me to express my feelings.
Honourable Chairman,
Within this House, discussions take place on numerous subjects, and everyone contributes in very important ways. There are sweet and sour experiences as well. But when such an occasion arises, naturally we rise above party lines and a common sentiment emerges within all of us-that our colleagues are now moving forward for some other special responsibility. Those colleagues who are bidding farewell today, some are leaving with the intention of returning, while others are departing to carry the experience gained here into society and make a special contribution there. To those who are leaving without returning, I would like to say that in politics there is never a full stop. The future awaits you, and your experience and contribution will always remain a part of national life.
Honourable Chairman,
Among the members who are bidding farewell, some will leave when the House is not in session, while others are already departing during the ongoing session. But all of these honourable members have made excellent contributions. I must especially mention Honourable Deve Gowda ji, Honourable Kharge ji, Honourable Sharad Pawar ji-such senior leaders whose lives have been more than half devoted to parliamentary work. After such long experience, all new members should learn from them-their dedicated spirit in the House, their commitment to contribute as much as possible, and their complete devotion to the responsibilities entrusted to them by society. This is something we all must learn from these senior leaders. I greatly appreciate their contributions, because such a long tenure is no small matter-it is very significant. Similarly, our Deputy Chairman, Harivansh ji, is also bidding farewell. Harivansh ji had the opportunity to serve this House for a long time. Gentle in speech, he constantly strove to earn everyone’s trust in conducting the House. I have observed that in times of crisis, it is often the Deputy Chairman who is asked to manage things, and thus he gained vast experience and deep familiarity with everyone. His contribution is noteworthy. I have also seen that when the House was not in session, he would travel across the country, meeting youth, making them aware of national circumstances, and instilling in them a sense of responsibility towards the nation. He is not only a master of the pen but also a man of action, having worked tirelessly across every corner of India.
Honourable Chairman,
There was a time when the House often witnessed humour and satire. These days, perhaps it is gradually declining, because in the age of 24x7 media everyone remains conscious. But our Athawale ji is evergreen. Though Athawale ji is leaving, I am confident that no one will feel deprived, for he will continue to serve abundant humour and satire.
Honourable Chairman,
Every two years, a large group departs from our midst. But this system ensures that the new group arriving immediately benefits from the experience of those who have been here for four years or more. Thus, the legacy of this House continues as a process, and this is a great advantage. I am certain that those who are not leaving this time will also share their experience with the new honourable members, enriching the House further with their contributions.
Honourable Chairman,
We know that in life, or in public life, whenever an important decision has to be made, families sit together and decide. Yet they still say, “Let’s ask someone else, let’s take a second opinion, let’s consult a senior.” If someone is ill, people say, “Let’s get another doctor’s opinion.” Second opinions carry great importance. I believe that in our parliamentary system, this strength of second opinion has been very significant. A decision taken in one House goes to the other House for a second opinion. If it happens here, it goes there; if it happens there, it comes here. This second opinion gives a new dimension to the entire debate and decision-making process, enriching it. Thus, honourable members in both Houses remain open to new perspectives. This second opinion is a major contribution of our democracy. The members who are bidding farewell have played their part in this legacy, and I sincerely thank them for it.
Honourable Chairman,
The honourable members who are leaving had the unique opportunity to sit in the old Parliament building as well as in the new one. They contributed to national welfare in both buildings. During their tenure, they witnessed the construction of the new House and participated in its decision-making process. This will remain a special memory in their lives.
Honourable Chairman,
I believe that this House is in itself a great open university. Here, members gain familiarity with many intricacies of national life. In a way, it is both education and initiation. The six years spent here are not only important for shaping national life through participation in decision-making, but also an invaluable opportunity for shaping one’s own life. When honourable members arrive, they bring their own understanding and capacity. When they leave, these have multiplied many times over, enriched by vast experience. After leaving, their contribution to national life continues, whether within formal structures or outside them. Their invaluable contribution will always remain, and their experience will forever be useful in nation-building. These are my best wishes to all honourable members. Once again, I celebrate and commend the contributions of all honourable members.
