Shri Narendra Modi’s speech at eIndia 2011

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.

Thank you very much.