Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday inaugurated the two-day orientation programme ‘Prarambh’ for newly elected and nominated members of the Upper House, urging first-time parliamentarians to uphold the Constitution, prioritise the nation and contribute meaningfully towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The programme, organised for members elected or nominated during the 2026 biennial Rajya Sabha elections, was attended by Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody, Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
Addressing the inaugural session, RS Chairman Radhakrishnan congratulated the 67 first-time Rajya Sabha members, appreciating their presence despite weekend commitments and describing it as a reflection of their dedication to parliamentary responsibilities and democratic institutions.
Describing the Rajya Sabha as the cornerstone of India’s federal democracy, he said the House represents diverse regional aspirations while remaining united by a shared commitment to the Constitution, national interest and the vision of a developed India.
“We are united by one document—the Constitution, one vision—Nation First (Rashtra Pratham), and one goal—a Viksit Bharat @2047,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of constructive parliamentary functioning, the RS Chairman said that while differences of opinion are an integral part of democracy, debates and discussions must ultimately lead to decisions. He cautioned that disruptions which fail to result in meaningful discussion or decision-making do not serve the purpose of Parliament.
RS Chairman Radhakrishnan also stressed the importance of preserving the sanctity of Question Hour and Zero Hour, describing them as vital platforms through which individual members can hold the government accountable and raise issues of public importance.
Calling on members to familiarise themselves thoroughly with parliamentary rules and procedures, he specifically referred to Rule 267, saying it should be invoked only in the “rarest of rare” circumstances and preferably with the consensus of the House.
Highlighting the responsibility that comes with public office, the RS Chairman reminded members that while elections are won through votes, public respect is earned through service.
“Every policy you frame, every question you ask, every law you enact and every discussion you participate in has the potential to improve countless lives,” he said, adding that even a single parliamentary intervention could influence government policy and leave a lasting impact on future generations.
Drawing from his own parliamentary experience, RS Chairman Radhakrishnan recalled that recommendations made by a Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Textiles during his tenure as a Lok Sabha member contributed to the creation of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), which helped modernise India’s textile industry. He urged members to actively participate in debates, committee meetings and Question Hour, saying even small suggestions could lead to major policy reforms.
The RS Chairman also encouraged newly elected members to adopt a habit of continuous learning and thorough preparation before every sitting of the House. He advised them to gain a comprehensive understanding of legislative procedures, budgetary processes, committee systems, parliamentary conventions and ethics.
Highlighting Parliament’s growing use of technology, RS Chairman Radhakrishnan said the orientation programme includes a first-of-its-kind hands-on workshop on digital tools. He noted that the Rajya Sabha has entered the era of artificial intelligence, with AI-powered systems such as Vani Setu providing real-time multilingual interpretation inside the House. He encouraged members to embrace artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies to enhance their legislative work and remain future-ready.
Earlier, Deputy Chairman Harivansh welcomed the newly elected members and said they were entering Parliament during the country’s Amrit Kaal, giving them a historic opportunity to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He reminded the members that Parliament provides them with the responsibility to question the government, offer constructive criticism, raise issues of public concern and contribute to the legislative process.
The two-day ‘Prarambh’ orientation programme has been designed to familiarise newly elected and nominated Rajya Sabha members with parliamentary procedures, legislative practices, digital tools and emerging technologies, enabling them to effectively discharge their responsibilities in the Upper House.
