Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday addressed a special session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, calling upon legislators to uphold the highest traditions of democracy and make public service and the development of the state and the nation the guiding principles of their legislative work.
On his arrival at the Assembly premises, V-P Radhakrishnan paid floral tributes to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B. R. Ambedkar before receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He also visited the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Museum, which showcases the evolution of the state legislature and its legislative journey.
Addressing the special session, the Vice-President highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic importance, rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. He said the state plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s borders and that the security of the rest of the country is closely linked to the protection of the nation’s frontiers by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
‘Rashtra Pratham’ must remain the guiding principle
Emphasising India’s unity in diversity, V-P Radhakrishnan said the country is united by one Constitution, the vision of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (Nation First) and the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’.
Referring to India’s diverse languages, cultures and traditions, he quoted national poet Subramania Bharati to underline the unity of thought that binds the country together.
Recalling India’s long democratic tradition, V-P Radhakrishnan described India as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and urged legislators to uphold the country’s democratic legacy through responsible and constructive legislative functioning.
He stressed that elected representatives should place public service above electoral considerations.
“Elections may be won through votes, but the respect and trust of people can only be earned through dedicated service,” he said, urging legislators to make effective use of Question Hour and Zero Hour to raise matters of public policy and issues concerning their constituencies.
Debates and disruptions must lead to decisions
As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President underlined the importance of dialogue, debate and discussion in legislative institutions.
Reiterating his message that “debates, discussions, or even disruptions must always lead to a decision,” V-P Radhakrishnan said healthy debate strengthens democracy, while constructive cooperation helps advance the interests of the state and the nation.
He called upon members of the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly to uphold the dignity of the legislature and use parliamentary mechanisms effectively to address issues affecting the people.
‘No Viksit Bharat without Viksit Arunachal Pradesh’
V-P Radhakrishnan said the development of Arunachal Pradesh is integral to India’s overall progress.
“There can be no Viksit Bharat without a Viksit Arunachal Pradesh,” he said, stressing that development must be inclusive and that no tribal or marginalised community should be left behind.
Highlighting the growing focus on the Northeast, the Vice President recalled the establishment of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He also highlighted the emphasis placed on the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy.
V-P Radhakrishnan congratulated the government and people of Arunachal Pradesh for the state’s development achievements, including its emergence as the country’s leading producer of kiwi, expansion of road infrastructure, issuance of more than one lakh Soil Health Cards and progress in education and per capita income.
Hydropower potential can boost state development
The Vice President emphasised the need to strike a balance between environmental protection and the responsible utilisation of natural resources.
Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s significant hydropower potential, he said its appropriate and responsible utilisation could generate greater revenue for the state and accelerate economic development.
He stressed that natural resources must be utilised in a manner that safeguards the environment while ensuring that the benefits of development reach the people.
Assembly completes 50 years
V-P Radhakrishnan congratulated the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on completing its Golden Jubilee and appreciated initiatives undertaken by the legislature, including making the Legislative Secretariat plastic-free and establishing the Assembly Library and Museum.
The initiatives, he said, reflect the institution’s commitment to strengthening its legislative traditions and preserving its history for future generations.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen (Retd.) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior state government officials and officials of the Legislative Secretariat were present on the occasion.
