Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed Vice President CP Radhakrishnan as he presided over the Rajya Sabha for the first time. Calling it a moment of pride for all members of the Upper House, the Prime Minister assured full cooperation from MPs in maintaining the dignity of the House and the Chair.
PM Modi said he was confident that Radhakrishnan’s leadership would strengthen the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, especially as the Winter Session is scheduled to discuss important national issues.
The Prime Minister noted that Radhakrishnan, who comes from a farmer’s family, has spent his life in social service. He said that although Radhakrishnan has been active in politics, public service has always been central to his work.
PM Modi cited Radhakrishnan’s track record in public life, including his role in improving the performance of the Coir Board and his service as Governor and Lieutenant Governor in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Telangana and Puducherry. He highlighted the Vice President’s work with tribal communities in Jharkhand, often travelling to remote areas to understand their needs.
The Prime Minister said that Radhakrishnan’s ability to work without being limited by protocol has been a defining part of his public life. He also mentioned that despite being born in “Dollar City,” Radhakrishnan chose to focus on the welfare of marginalised communities there.
PM Modi recalled two life-threatening incidents from Radhakrishnan’s past -nearly drowning during childhood at the Avinashi temple pond and narrowly escaping a bomb blast in Coimbatore in the late 1990s. He said such experiences strengthened Radhakrishnan’s resolve to serve society.
He Minister also shared that during Radhakrishnan’s first visit to Kashi, he took a personal decision to give up non-vegetarian food, which PM Modi described as a reflection of his spiritual inclination.
Referring to the Emergency, PM Modi said Radhakrishnan took a strong stand in defence of democracy, despite limited personal resources. He added that his grassroots work during that period continues to inspire many.
PM Modi praised Radhakrishnan’s organisational skills, saying he improved every role entrusted to him, encouraged new ideas, and supported younger leaders. He noted that as an MP from Coimbatore, Radhakrishnan regularly raised the development concerns of his constituency in Parliament.
The Prime Minister said he was confident that the Vice President’s long experience – as a parliamentarian, as Governor, and now as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha – would benefit both the House and the country.