The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today addressed the Valedictory Session of the Vidhayi Gaurav Yatra: Former and Sitting Members’ Conclave, organised as part of the 75th-year celebrations of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly at Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha in Jaipur.
Paying tribute to Rajasthan’s rich legacy of sacrifice, courage and patriotism, the Vice-President said that every generation of the State has strengthened the nation’s democratic ethos. He noted that democracy flourishes when people deliberate with dignity and place the national interest above every other consideration.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan observed that while winning elections is important, serving the people is even more important. He said elections are won through votes, but the lasting respect and affection of the people are earned through sincere public service.
Appreciating the unique initiative of bringing together former and sitting legislators, he said such interactions preserve institutional memory and enable younger legislators to benefit from the wisdom and experience of their predecessors. He complimented Speaker Shri Vasudev Devnani for conceptualising the conclave.
Emphasising the importance of healthy democratic functioning, the Vice-President said that in a democracy, differences of opinion are natural. “We may agree to disagree, but we should all agree on one thing, our unwavering commitment to the people and the Constitution,” he said.
Recalling his message to Members in the Rajya Sabha, he added, “Debate, discussion or even sometimes disruption must lead to a decision.” The Vice-President said that the strength of India’s democracy does not rest only in the magnificence of its constitutional institutions.
It rests equally in the quality of its debates, the dignity of its conduct and its commitment to constitutional values. He urged legislators to uphold these ideals in both letter and spirit. Sharing an experience from his tenure as a Member of the Lok Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan recalled that recommendations made by the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Textiles, which he had convened, ultimately led to the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme.
He urged legislators to actively contribute through debates, and Committee work, noting that even a single constructive suggestion can lead to significant policy reforms. Quoting a verse from the Thirukkural, the Vice-President said that leaders who remain accessible and courteous earn the enduring trust of the people.
He reminded Members that listening to citizens with empathy and treating them with dignity are as important as framing good policies. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan described the State Legislatures as the living heartbeat of Indian democracy. He said that while Parliament reflects the aspirations of the nation, State Legislatures give voice to the hopes and concerns of every village, town and family.
Calling attention to the responsibilities of elected representatives, the Vice-President said that every Member of a Legislature carries a profound responsibility. Every time a citizen casts a vote, they place their faith in democracy, he observed, adding that this faith must be honoured every single day through integrity, humility and dedication to public service.
Recalling his long association with Rajasthan’s political leadership, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said he had the privilege of working with former Chief Ministers Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Smt. Vasundhara Raje, and acknowledged the contribution of former Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot to the State’s democratic journey.
He also fondly remembered his association with late Shri Rajesh Pilot during his tenure as a Member of the Lok Sabha. The Vice-President said public life demands patience, and sincere service is ultimately recognised. Invoking Rajasthan’s glorious history, the Vice-President said history can never forget Maharana Pratap, but it also remembers the unmatched loyalty and sacrifice of his trusted horse, Chetak.
He said every individual, irrespective of the role they hold today, has an opportunity to leave behind a lasting legacy through sincerity and dedication. Referring to the Bhagavad Gita, he urged legislators to perform their duties selflessly without being anxious about rewards, observing that honest public service is always recognised in due course.
The Vice-President called upon all legislators to preserve the dignity of legislative institutions, strengthen the spirit of constructive dialogue, and leave behind stronger democratic institutions for future generations. He stressed that integrity, humility and dedication are essential to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, adding that a Viksit Rajasthan is integral to a Viksit Bharat.
The Vice-President also honoured former Speakers, former Deputy Speakers, and former and sitting Members of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in recognition of their contribution to the State’s rich democratic and legislative tradition.
The Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Shri Vasudev Devnani, Rajasthan Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Law and Justice Shri Jogaram Patel, Leader of the Opposition Shri Tika Ram Jully, and former and sitting Members of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly were present on the occasion.