New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of India’s Independence will not only be a period of national development and glory but also an occasion when the country will play an important role in giving a direction to the world.
Welcoming Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for assuming charge as chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister said the VP was taking charge at a time when the country was witnessing two historical occasions.
“India has just assumed the presidency of G20 and this is also a time when we have commenced our journey into ‘Amrit Kaal’. Not only will ‘Amrit Kaal’ be a period of development and glory for the country it will also be an occasion when India will play an important role in giving direction to the world,” said the Prime Minister as the House met for the first day of the winter session.
Modi said in this journey, India’s democracy, Parliament and Parliamentary traditions will also play a significant role.
Hailing Dhankhar as a leader who has both the elements of ‘jawan’ (soldier) and ‘kisan’ (farmer) imbibed in him, the Prime Minister said the House was fortunate to receive “his able and effective leadership at this juncture in history.”
“Our Vice President is a ‘Kisan Putra’ (son of farmer) and he studied at a Sainik school. Thus, he is closely associated with jawans and kisans,” he said.
The Prime Minister exuded confidence that under the guidance of Dhankhar, “all members will effectively perform their duties and the House will serve as an effective platform to help realise the dreams and pledges of the country.”
“Today you are formally commencing charge as Chairman of this House. Many former Prime Ministers have been members of this august House at some time and many political stalwarts have started their journey from here. I am confident that your leadership will further enhance the dignity of this House and take it to greater heights,” Modi said.
He also saluted the Armed Forces on the occasion of the Armed Forces Flag Day.
“The country is happy to see the achievements of Kithana’s ‘lal’ (son),” Modi said, referring to Dhankhar’s birthplace Kithana in Rajasthan.
Referring to Dhankhar’s humble origins, he noted that like President Droupadi Murmu, who is guiding the country, the son of a farmer has now reached the top position in the Rajya Sabha.
He further said that the House chairperson was an embodiment of the fact that success comes not through means alone but through dedication.
Meanwhile, Modi urged leaders of all parties to make collective efforts to make Parliament’s winter session more productive.
Speaking to media ahead of the session’s start, he said Parliamentarians, including from the opposition, have told him that they suffer due to frequent disruptions and adjournments in Parliament as they are unable to speak and asked leaders from different parties to understand their “pain”.
The last session was marred by regular disruptions in Parliament.
Noting that he had congenial discussion with various leaders during a recent all-party meet on India’s presidency of G20, he expressed hope that its reflection will definitely be seen in Parliament too.
India hosting the G20 summit, which will be held next year, is not merely a diplomatic event but also a chance to showcase the country’s capabilities before the world in a holistic manner, the Prime Minister said.
“India is such a large country, is mother of democracy and has so much diversities and potential. Therefore, this is a big opportunity for the world to know India and for India to show its potential to the whole world,” he added.
He expressed confidence that efforts will be made in the session to take important decisions to take the country to new heights of development amid the current global situation.
The Prime Minister urged all political parties to give first time MPs a chance to participate in debates for the remaining period of the 17th Lok Sabha before the next general election for their bright future and also for preparing the next generation in democracy.
He said young MPs tell him that Parliament is a big university of democracy but they don’t get to learn and understand due to disruptions and absence of discussions.
Young MPs say they are not getting opportunities and, therefore, the functioning of the two Houses is very important, the Prime Minister said, adding this is the voice from young Parliamentarians of all parties.
This session is important, Modi said, as the country is now in ‘Amrit Kaal’, a term used by him to describe the 25 year period till the centenary of India’s Independence, and has got the opportunity to preside over the G20.
“India has made a space in the global community and expectations from it have increased. India is also increasing its participation on global platforms. It is a huge opportunity to host the G20 Presidency at such a time,” he said.
Noting that this will be the first session where Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will preside as Rajya Sabha chairperson, he offered the “farmer’s son” his best wishes. (PTI)
