Text of Farewell Speech to Retiring Members made in the House today by Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
Text of Farewell Speech to Retiring Members made in the House today by Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
CHAIRMAN: Hon’ble Members, today, we bid farewell to some of our esteemed colleagues who would be retiring in the months of April to July this year on completion of their term of office. A total of 59 Members from 20 States will be retiring during this period, including 9 Women Members.
Hon’ble Members, our constitutional scheme provides for the retirement of one-third of the Members of this House every two years, thereby bringing about a periodic change in the composition of this august House. This arrangement ensures continuity in the functioning of the Council of States while also creating space for new Members to join the House and enrich its deliberations with their experience and insights. This process truly reflects the character of this House as a micro-cosmof our diverse nation.
Hon’ble Members, retirement should not be viewed as an end but as the beginning of new roles and responsibilities. It signifies the passing on of the baton to new Members who will carry forward the legacy of this institution with fresh ideas, renewed energy and commitment. At the same time, the experience and wisdom gained by the retiring Members during their tenure will continue to guide and inspire the next generation of parliamentarians.
Among the Members retiring are several distinguished public figures and veteran parliamentarians who have served the nation with dedication for many years in public life. Shriman H. D. Devegowda Ji, former Prime Minister of India, is a distinguished leader whose presence has added great stature to the House. With his long experience in parliamentary and public life and his deep commitment to the interests of farmers and rural communities, he has brought valuable perspectives to the debates of this House.
The House has also benefited greatly from the leadership and experience of Shriman Mallikarjun Kharge Ji, the Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. With his long and distinguished parliamentary career in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Shriman Kharge Ji has been an important voice in the democratic functioning of this House.
I would also like to make a particular mention of Shriman Harivansh Ji, the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, whose term is also coming to an end on 9th April 2026. Shri Harivansh has presided over this House with dignity, impartiality, and a deep sense of responsibility. Before entering parliamentary life, he had a distinguished career in journalism and public discourse, and he brought to this House his vast experience, calm demeanour, and commitment to parliamentary traditions. As Deputy Chairman, he has guided the proceedings of the House with patience, fairness, and wisdom, earning the respect and appreciation of Members across the political spectrum. Furthermore, he has made meaningful and valuable contributions in several national and international parliamentary forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the CSPOC, and the P-20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit. His contribution towards maintaining the decorum and orderly functioning of the House will always be remembered with great regard.
I also record my appreciation to retiring Members of the Panel of the Vice-Chairpersons whose contributions as the Presiding Officer have enabled the smooth conduct of business of the House.
Among the retiring Members are also several distinguished personalities who have made notable contributions in governance and public life.
The House has also benefited from the experience of those Members who have served the country in executive and administrative capacities.
All the retiring Members have been articulate voices representing diverse regions and communities of our country. Most of them have long experience in legislative affairs and have contributed significantly to the debates of the House.
They have represented the aspirations of their respective States and communities “and the nation as a whole” and have raised important issues related thereto in this House.
Hon’ble Members, a beautiful sentiment expressed in Tamil reminds us:
“செய்கையின்/நன்மை/காலம்/கடந்தும்/வாழும்.”
[“ceykaiyiṉ/naṉmaikālamkaṭantumvāḻum.” ]
which conveys that though one retires, the good done by one’s deeds continues to live on through time. The retiring Members of this House have, through their public service and dedication, created such enduring contributions that will remain part of the legacy of this institution.
Their insights and interventions have enriched the debates and discussions of this House and strengthened the democratic process. The contributions made by the women Members who are retiring are particularly noteworthy and reflect their steadfast commitment to public service.
I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation for the valuable contributions made by the retiring Members and for the cooperation and support they have extended to the Chair in the conduct of the proceedings of the House.
Some among the retiring Members have already been re-elected to this House, and I am sure a few more will be re-elected, and their experience will once again enrich the deliberations of this august institution. Farewell is always a painful moment, marked by a sense of parting, yet made meaningful by the lasting memories and contributions that endure.
As they conclude their term in this august House, I wish all the retiring Members good health, happiness, and success in their future endeavours. I am confident that they will continue to serve the nation and the people with the same dedication and commitment that they have demonstrated during their tenure in this House.