The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended a farewell function for the Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at GMC Balayogi Auditorium here today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister pointed out the quality of Shri Venkaiah Naidu of always staying active and engaged, a quality that will always keep him connected with the activities of public life. Shri Modi recalled his long association with Shri Venkiah Naidu and remembered Shri Naidu’s preference for Rural Development as portfolio when he was to be picked up as a Minister in the Vajpayee government. A portfolio that he served with distinction. The Prime Minister also pointed out that Shri Naidu has overseen both the portfolios - Rural Development as well as Urban development. The Prime Minister also mentioned the rare distinction of the Vice President to be the first member of the Rajya Sabha to be its Chairman and the Vice President. This and the experience of Parliamentary Affairs Minister helped him run the House with great command and ease, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also appreciated Shri Naidu’s quest to empower and enhance the capabilities of the House, members, and the Committees. The Prime MInister said that it is important that we should always try to fulfil the expectations that he has from all the Parliamentarians.
Praising Shri Naidu’s discipline of time-management, the Prime Minister also remembered that how during the time of Corona restrictions, the Vice President did ‘tele-yatras’ that is getting in touch with with people who figured in his long public life over the phone, giving solace and encouragements during the difficult times. Similarly he stayed in touch with all the MPs during the pandemic. The Prime MInister also remembered the incident when during a visit to BIhar, Shri Naidu’s helicopter had to be force landed and a farmer helped him. The Prime Minister said that Shri Naidu has maintained contact with the farmer and his family till today. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that he will continue to guide the people in public life with the same dedication and wisdom for a very long time to come.
Acknowledging the Shri Naidu’s regard for the mother tongue, the Prime MInister mentioned Bhashini - National Public Digital Platform for languages to develop services and products for citizens by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. He asked the members of both houses to take a look. He also asked the Speaker and Dy Chairman Rajya Sabha to collect good new words that have emerged due to debates in mother tongue and add them to enrich the languages of the country. By starting the annual tradition of releasing a collection of good words, we will take forward Venkiah ji’s legacy of love for the mother tongue, he said.
