Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered heartfelt accolades to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a session in the Rajya Sabha

Manoj Kumar Pathak

New Delhi :  Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered heartfelt accolades to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, lauding his significant contributions to Parliament and hailing his leadership as an "inspiration" for lawmakers.

Addressing the house to bid farewell to retiring members, PM Modi reminisced about a poignant moment in August 2023 when Dr. Manmohan Singh, despite being on a wheelchair, diligently cast his vote during a crucial voting session. Modi highlighted this as an exemplary display of dedication and vigilance towards one's duties, emphasizing Singh's inspirational character.

Highlighting Singh's substantial impact on parliamentary proceedings, PM Modi remarked, "Six times he has made a huge contribution to this house with his valuable thoughts as a leader and also as the Leader of the Opposition."

Expressing his best wishes to all retiring members of the Upper House, Modi expressed confidence that their experiences in the "eternal university" of Parliament would equip them to achieve greater heights in their future endeavors. He urged retiring MPs to utilize their acquired knowledge and wisdom to benefit the nation and inspire future generations.

Emphasizing the significance of the Rajya Sabha as a symbol of continuity, PM Modi remarked, "This house receives a new vitality and energy every two years." He underscored the invaluable legacy left behind by departing members, which serves as a guiding light for incoming members.

In a continuation of the farewell proceedings, retiring Rajya Sabha members will be honored at a ceremony hosted by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar later today at 6.30 pm. Earlier in the day, members of the Rajya Sabha participated in a group photo session at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking another significant moment in their parliamentary journey.