1

2 3
1
 16 / Listening to Farmers
Understanding concerns, Seeking solutions

32 / Dialogue with the Youth, the future of the nation

Understanding aspirations, Envisioning opportunities

66 / Listening to Scientists and Medical professionals

Appreciating efforts, Encouraging innovation
A no bhadrah kratavo yantu visvato’ dabdhaso aparitasa udbhidah

90 /
Deva no yatha sadmid vrdhe asannaprayuvo raksitaro divedive.
(Rig Veda 1.89)
Nurturing Cultural Capital
Recollecting the past, Building the future
Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides. Let
eminent, creative and courageous luminaries bless
and guide us so that we make rapid progress and 158 / Engaging with the World
Strengthening bonds, Fostering peace
grow together.

196 / Catalyzing a new and resurgent India

Leading the dialogue for development

238 / Presiding over Rajya Sabha

Enhancing effectiveness, Promoting efficiency

2
CONTENTS 3
 Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu’s two years in office as
the Vice President of India
This book is a chronicle that captures a few glimpses of the Vice President’s 330
public engagements in all the States and Union Territories of our country during the
last two years.
Crisscrossing the length and breadth of our vast country, the Vice President has
delivered 61 convocation addresses, interacted with students on 35 occasions,
visited 97 scientific and technological research institutions and delivered 25 special
lectures.
His deep interest in Indian culture and literature as well as his ardent desire to
recognise and promote excellence is evident from the 52 book launch events and 60
award ceremonies he attended.
Agriculture has been a special focus area for the Vice President who conducted a
high-level consultation on making agriculture remunerative and sustainable. He has
made extensive field visits to directly interact with the farmers.
In addition, he regularly meets a wide cross-section of people from different states at
his official residence and is keen on meeting young achievers and innovators who,
according to him, are going to script India’s growth story in the coming years.
Strengthening diplomatic ties has been one of the priorities of the Vice President,
who, in the course of the last two years, has called on 11 Presidents and received
7 Vice Presidents as well as 8 Prime Ministers. He has received 7 Parliamentary
delegations from 3 continents.
The Vice President’s active diplomatic engagement has taken him to 19 countries
in 4 continents. He was the first Indian Vice President to visit Panama, Guatemala,
Costa Rica and Malta.
Being conferred Doctor Honoris Causa by the UN supported University for Peace at
Costa Rica was a unique honour bestowed upon him. He is the first Indian to have
received this award.
Among his numerous diplomatic engagements, the most remarkable were his address
to the Indian community at Fullerton Hall in Chicago where Swami Vivekananda had
delivered his historic speeches at the Parliament of World Religions in 1893, his
keynote address at the World Buddhist Conference in Vietnam on the UN International
Day of Vesak, his address to the Serbian Parliament at Belgrade where the first Non-
Aligned Movement Summit was held in 1961 and his participation in the Armistice
Centenary in Paris along with prominent world leaders including US President Donald
Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and
French President Emmanuel Macron.
In each of the 19 countries he visited, the Vice President invariably includes an
interaction session with the Indian diaspora who, according to him, are a big source
Swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, on August 11, 2017.
of strength in propelling India’s future growth.

4 5
 LISTENING,
LEARNING &
LEADING...
The Vice President’s two years in office

Appreciating India’s accelerated progress being made on all fronts,

developing a nuanced understanding of the continuing concerns and
catalyzing dialogue for seeking solutions, the Vice President of India has
been leading and fostering dialogue through stimulating speeches and
extensive interactions with an ever expanding cross section of stake-
holders.
His attentive ear to different shades of opinion, his willingness to
benefit from diversity of viewpoints, his readiness to learn from expert
practitioners and innovative projects and his eagerness to share his
insights with a wider audience have made the first two years of his
Vice Presidency a saga of relentless quest to foster dialogue and spur
development. His whirlwind tours, extensive speaking engagements,
numerous convocations, book launches and celebratory events across
all the states in the country have served to recognize excellence and
advance the inclusive national development agenda. This has infused
a new dynamism to the institution of the Vice President of India.
A stickler for discipline and decorum, he has been a watchful monitor
and a friendly guide to Parliamentarians in the Rajya Sabha. His
candour, persistence and persuasion have tended to make the House
function in a more meaningful manner than before. The just concluded
249th Session of the Upper House turned out to be the best in the last
five years in terms of legislative output.

6 INTRODUCTION 7
At the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as Lokpal, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, on March 23, 2019 At the dinner hosted in honour of the outgoing Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 24, 2019

8 9
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on May 26, 2019.

10 11
 At the dinner hosted in honour of the Union Council of Ministers
at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on June 12, 2019

At the dinner hosted in honour of the outgoing Union Council of Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 24, 2019

12 13
 The cornerstone of Indian
ethos may be summed up
in these words - Ekam sat
vipraah bahudhaa vadanti-
Truth is one, wise people
express it in many ways. This
inclusiveness is the essence of
the Indian world view.

Exchanging pleasantries with the former Vice President, Shri. Hamid Ansari and former Prime Minister,
Shri Manmohan Singh during an ‘At Home’ reception in Rashtrapati Bhawan on January 26, 2019.

14 15
 LISTENING TO
FARMERS
UNDERSTANDING CONCERNS,
SEEKING SOLUTIONS

16 17
 LISTENING TO
FARMERS
Understanding concerns, Seeking solutions

As the son of a farmer, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has a deep understanding

of the rural areas. Agriculture is close to his heart. He empathizes with
the farmers and is concerned about ways to augment their incomes.
He proactively seeks solutions to their problems in his interactions
with agricultural scientists, agronomists and farmers. He urges the
researchers to constantly connect with the farmers and find viable
solutions to make agriculture more remunerative and sustainable. The
Agriculture is our basic culture.
Vice President has been highlighting, in his addresses, the need for a
more effective ‘lab-to-land’ transmission of knowledge. He is convinced
Let’s protect and promote it. Let’s
that knowledge is one of the key drivers in rural transformation along
with diversification of crops and intensification of agriculture, as well as
make it more remunerative and
supplementation of on-farm income through horticulture, dairy, poultry
and pisciculture. He knows only too well the critical importance of rural
sustainable.
infrastructure having initiated a massive rural roads programme as
the Union Minister for Rural Development two decades ago. He also
emphasizes other critical aspects like rural godowns, cold storage
and expanded coverage under agro-insurance and timely affordable
agricultural credit.
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu calls for a holistic approach to agriculture
development by focussing on improved seed varieties, organic
manures and pest control measures as well as controlled use of water
and power. For him, access to markets and market information as
well as to warehousing and food processing facilities hold the key to
enhance farmers’ income. His constant refrain has been the much
needed structural reforms in farm sector to free the farmers from all the
debilitating shackles.

18 19
 Interacting with farmers who are implementing the successful concept of Zero Budget Natural
Farming at S.N. Palem village of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh on August 23, 2018.

There is a need for new knowledge,

alternative policies and structural changes to
improve agricultural productivity. A concerted
action is needed on issues that impact the
growth of agriculture and the quality of life of
people who depend primarily on this sector.

20 21
 The farmers who toil on the farms should be empowered
with knowledge, financial credit, warehousing and
insurance facilities. They need to be provided the ‘know-
how’ and ‘do-how’ to improve the farm productivity.

Knowledge makes all the difference. Educational

institutions must generate new ideas, extend the frontiers
of scientific knowledge and search for practical solutions to
challenging problems.

The most important aspect is the effective transfer of the

transformative technologies to the farmers.

At an exhibition organised by Swarna Bharat Trust in association with Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University,
in Swarna Bharat Trust, Atkur, Vijayawada on March 15, 2019.

22 23
 Presenting the first World Agriculture Prize to Prof M S Swaminathan instituted
by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture in New Delhi on October 26, 2018.

Agriculture is very close to my heart.

Farmers and people living in rural areas are
always in my mind when I deliberate on any
developmental issue. After becoming the Vice
President of India, I have been holding national
consultations to make agriculture more
efficient, remunerative and sustainable as well
as improve the income of farmers.

24 25
 Addressing the gathering after inaugurating a free Medical Camp jointly
organized by the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology and Swarna Bharat Trust
in Hyderabad on October 07, 2018.
Addressing the gathering at Agri-Vision 2019, a two-day conference on ‘Envisioning Agro
Presenting the Rythu Nestham awards, at a function, in Hyderabad on Solutions for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture’ at Hyderabad on January 17, 2019.
October 07, 2018.

Addressing the farmers undertaking Zero Budget Natural Farming, in Krishna

District, Andhra Pradesh on August 23, 2018.

26 27
 One of the major challenges for food security in the 21st century
is not only improving productivity but also yield stability through
the development of crops which are disease-resistant, pest-
resistant and adaptable to climate change.
At the inauguration of the International Conference AFIT/AWCCA 2018 on Research Frontiers in
Precision Agriculture in Mumbai on October 24, 2018.
28
The foremost need in the country is to double the income of
the farmers by making agriculture resilient, sustainable and
profitable. We need to introduce structural changes and both
the Centre and various States need to accord the highest priority
to this aspect.
At an exhibition organised by Swarna Bharat Trust in association with Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural
University, in Swarna Bharat Trust, Atkur, Vijayawada on March 15, 2019.
29
 The Vedic philosophy of India has
always emphasized the undeniable
connection that human beings share
with nature.Our traditional practices
reflect a sustainable lifestyle.

30 31
 DIALOGUE
WITH THE YOUTH,
THE FUTURE OF
THE NATION
UNDERSTANDING ASPIRATIONS,
ENVISIONING OPPORTUNITIES

32 33
 DIALOGUE
WITH THE YOUTH,
THE FUTURE OF
THE NATION Education is not only for
Understanding aspirations, Envisioning
opportunities employment but also for
In his outreach to the youth, the Vice President constantly reminds them that enlightenment, empowerment and
enhancement of knowledge.
knowledge, skills and attitude will enable them to lead more fulfilling lives.
The Vice President fervently advocates primary education in mother tongue
and exhorts youth to keep their feet firmly in the Indian ethos but acquire the

I have an advice to the young

competence required to be global leaders. He is fond of quoting Mahatma
Gandhi’s famous statement that “I want the culture of all lands to be blown

students going abroad for higher

about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by
any.”
Fully cognisant of India’s current demographic advantage with youth constituting
nearly two-thirds of its population, the Vice President often underscores the
studies – Learn, Earn and Return.
importance of holistic quality education, especially the knowledge and skills
required for the 21st century global economy.
Return to your country and
Stressing the need for education systems to foster inquisitiveness, imagination contribute to its growth.
and innovation, he has been encouraging the faculty and students to re-think
and revamp the current teaching-learning processes. For him, education is not
only for employment but also for enlightenment and empowerment. He,very
often, echoes the ideas of Swami Vivekananda who had defined education as
“life building, man-making, character making assimilation of ideas”.
The Vice President is fond of conversing with youth and suggesting to them that
even if they go abroad for higher studies, they should return to their motherland
and try to find solutions to India’s challenges. India, to him, is a land of myriad
opportunities and there is no better time than now to seize the moment. It is
an opportune period, he tells the youth, to aim high, work hard and make the
dreams come true.

34 35
 We must never forget that space is a shared resource and
A visit to an educational institution is a pilgrimage for a
all nations must have unfettered access to the benefits that
better and brighter future of our society.
it offers.

Addressing the 68th Convocation of Panjab University, in Chandigarh on April 28, 2019. Honouring the Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Dr. K. Sivan with the Vigyan Ratna Award at the 68th
Convocation of Panjab University, in Chandigarh on April 28, 2019.

36 37
 If knowledge is power and education a
deliverance from ignorance and poverty, then
teachers are the agents of social change and
schools are social assets and education a
community resource.

Addressing the 34th Convocation of the Gandhigram Rural Institute, in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu on October 10, 2018.

Addressing the gathering at the 3rd Convocation of IIM, Visakhapatnam,

Andhra Pradesh on March 30, 2019.
38 39
 Serving in organizations like the Scouts and guides
or NCC should be made mandatory for every
student to inculcate discipline and a sense of
willingness to serve the needy.

Interacting with NCC cadets, at the inaugural ceremony of the National Cadet Corps
(NCC) Republic Day Camp, 2019, in New Delhi on January 07, 2019.

40 41
 Merely adding glossy buildings with good facades and setting up
more universities is not enough. We have to reorient the education
system in accordance with the changing needs and enable the
students to fearlessly face and overcome unexpected and new
challenges. For this to happen, our institutions of higher learning
must revamp their methods of teaching, give up business-as-usual
approach and create rigorous academic standards.
Interacting with the Students of the V.N.R. Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, in Hyderabad
on February 03, 2019.
42
As you move to pursue your goals, life will not be a bed of roses.
There will be obstacles, setbacks and tough situations. You will
encounter testing times. But nothing should deter or swerve you from
reaching your goals. Unperturbed, you must continue on your path
with complete dedication and determination. Remember that there is
no substitute for hard work.
Interacting with the Students of the V.N.R. Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, in Hyderabad
on February 03, 2019.
43
 Visiting the Exhibition, organised on the occasion of Gandhian Technological Young Innovation Awards 2019, in New
Delhi on July 06, 2019.

Interacting with the students, at the AICTE-ECI-ISTE Chhatra Vishwakarma Awards

ceremony and AICTE-SAGY Initiative awards, in New Delhi on January 21, 2019

44 45
 Technology and innovation are crucial to translate India’s
growth to make tangible and positive impact on the lives of
our people by addressing key development challenges like
poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease.

Interacting with students from IIT Madras in New Delhi on

December 20, 2018.

46 47
 With the Officer Trainees of 2018 Batch of Indian Foreign Service (IFS), in New Delhi on May 28, 2019.

Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 72nd Batch of Indian Revenue Service, in New Delhi on March 12, 2019.

Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 72nd Batch of Indian Revenue Service, in New Delhi on March 12, 2019.

48 49
 With the Civil Service Officers of 93rd Foundation Course, at the Dr Marri Channa
Reddy Human Resource Development Institute in Hyderabad on November 14 2018.

50 51
 Addressing the 32nd Convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University
(IGNOU) on April 3, 2019.

52 53
 With the Children who have been conferred the ‘National Bravery Awards 2017’, in New Delhi on
January 25, 2018.

Interacting with students of the Ratnam Schools at the Muppavarapu Foundation

Knowledge Centre in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on February 21, 2019.

54 55
 At the 3rd Convocation of Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, in Jaipur, Rajasthan on March 25, 2019.

Addressing the 54th Annual Convocation of Bangalore University in Bengaluru on April 22, 2019.

Addressing the 13th convocation of Jamia Hamdard University, in New Delhi

on October 23, 2018.

56 Addressing the 9th Annual Convocation of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Puducherry 57
on October 12, 2018.
 Addressing the 14th Convocation of University College
for Women Osmania University in Hyderabad on
October 04, 2018.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Diamond

Jubilee Celebrations of National Institute of Technology
in Warangal Telangana on October 08, 2018.

Addressing the Annual Convocation of Presidency College, in Chennai on October 11, 2018.

58 Addressing the first Convocation of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on August 25, 2018. 59
 At the 8th Convocation of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary
University in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh on April 24, 2019.
Presenting ‘Honoris Causa’ Award to the retired Indian track
and field athlete, Smt. P.T. Usha, at the 9th Annual Convocation
of VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced
Addressing the 1st National Conference of Educators for Nai Talim Experiential Learning in Teacher Education organised by the Mahatma Gandhi National Council Studies, in Chennai on April 23, 2019.
of Rural Education , in Hyderabad on February 28, 2019.
60
Distributing the Kindle E-Readers to Schools, at the Platinum
Jubilee Celebrations of Sacred Heart College, in Kochi, Kerala
on February 01, 2019.
Presenting the degrees to the Students at the Convocation
of Vaikunth Mehta National Institute for Cooperative
Management, in Pune, Maharashtra on March 25, 2019.
61

At the 14th Convocation of University College
for Women Osmania University in Hyderabad
on October 04, 2018.
Addressing the 19th Convocation of National
Board of Examinations, in New Delhi on
September 21, 2018.
62
With the faculty Members of Karnataka
Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences
University on the occassion of the 10th
Convocation, in Bidar, Karnataka on August 31,
2018.
Presenting degrees to the Students at the 13th
Annual Convocation of Pravara Institute of
Medical Sciences, in Loni, Maharashtra on
March 25, 2019.
63
 True education emancipates you from the bondage of ignorance
“Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye”.True education lays the foundation
for developing a society that is strongly grounded in ethics and
moral values leading to peace and contentment in life.

Education must be ‘transformational’ and not merely

‘transactional’.

With India poised to become a high middle-income country

by 2030, there will be lot of opportunities for the youth in
different sectors. The need of the hour is to impart skills to the
youngsters to enable them find gainful employment or become
self-employed.

At the 4th Convocation of the National Institute of Technology, in Panaji, Goa on September 28, 2018.

With the Faculty Members of Sarojini Naidu Vanita Pharmacy Maha Vidyalaya, at the 2nd decennial celebrations, in Hyderabad on March 16, 2019. At the launch of 100 Digital Classrooms in 75 Rural Government Schools in Gwalior District under ‘Mera School Digital School’ programme on Sepember 29, 2018.

64 65
 LISTENING TO
SCIENTISTS
AND MEDICAL
PROFESSIONALS
APPRECIATING EFFORTS,
ENCOURAGING INNOVATION

66 67

LISTENING TO
SCIENTISTS
AND MEDICAL
PROFESSIONALS
Appreciating efforts, Encouraging innovation
The Vice President firmly believes that science and technology determine
the growth trajectory of any nation. He has, therefore,embarked on a
voyage of discovery to various scientific institutions to listen to scientists
working on various projects and acquaint himself with and appreciate
their research endeavours.
He has travelled to prominent scientific centres across the country
from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Arunachal Pradesh, from
Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala. The institutions he visited include
Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology,
National Geophysical Research Institute, Saha Institute of Nuclear
Physics, National Institute of Oceanology, National Institute of Nutrition,
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, National
Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Indian National Centre for Ocean
Information Systems and other institutions run by Council of Scientific &
Industrial Research (CSIR) and many more.
As a part of his visits to these laboratories and institutions, he invariably
has an interaction session with all the scientists during which, he
appreciates the dedicated efforts of the scientists, deepens his own
understanding of the constraints and challenges faced by them to
achieve higher benchmarks. He urges the scientists to constantly
innovate and endeavour to be among the best in the world. For him, the
bottom line of all scientific research and technological innovation should
be the improvement of the quality of life of the common man which
includes the protection of environment and happiness of all human
beings. Social relevance, in his view, is the touchstone of scientific
advancement.
68
The ultimate aim of science and
technological research is to make
people’s lives happier.
The Vice President deeply cares about progress in medical sciences and
has visited a number of prominent medical institutions like the All India
Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi and Bhubaneswar, Homi Bhabha
Cancer Hospital, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Institute of Liver
and Biliary Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Health Sciences, Lady
Hardinge Medical College, National Board of Examinations, Jawaharlal
Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, MGR
Medical University, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences
and Technology and Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences and many
more.
Addressing convocations or interacting with the doctors and medical
professionals, the Vice President has been sending out the unequivocal
message that we, in India, must enhance the accessibility and affordability
of quality medical facilities. He has been suggesting that public-private
partnership could be the most pragmatic way forward. His sincere desire
is that the healthcare system is redesigned in such a way that rural
population has equal access to quality medical and healthcare facilities
on par with urban population. Infact, according to him, every doctor
should serve in rural areas for a certain period to become eligible for
career advancement. The Vice President accords high priority to ethics
and empathy as two aspects of the medical profession that require
constant nurturing. He has been voicing his concern about the increase
in non-communicable diseases mainly caused by sedentary lifestyle
and faulty food habits. He has been urging people, especially the youth,
to make lifestyle changes and practice yoga and other physical activity
as well as pay special attention to healthy, balanced, nutritious food
habits.
Leave sedentary lifestyle. Eat
healthy food. Do regular exercise.
Live long happily.
69
 Any adventure into the realm of fresh ideas is an exhilarating The world has shrunk as the knowledge has expanded. The
experience. It fills you with hope for exciting opportunities. It is a impact of technology has been extraordinary. We must leverage
very positive experience. this vast power for improving the quality of life.

Unveiling the plaque of ‘Cuddapah Monolith’, commemorating 70th Year of Exploration and Research of Atomic Minerals, at the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Interacting with the Staff and Officials at the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, in Hyderabad on May 16, 2019.
Exploration and Research, in Hyderabad on May 16, 2019.

70 71
 Science is the key lever for sustainable development. A
country’s prosperity and security are directly dependent
on its scientific and technological progress.

The spirit of enquiry and the scientific temper, the

spirit of asking relevant questions and seeking practical
answers must become an integral part of our school
and college education systems.

Addressing the inaugural session of the World Sustainable Development

Summit 2019, organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in New
Delhi on February 11, 2019

72 73
 As nutrition scientists, I would like you to accord the highest Only Science can throw up solutions for the present and emerging
priority to eliminate the triple burden of malnutrition comprising problems. The onus lies on the creative geniuses of the young
under-nutrition, over-nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies scientific community to look for solutions.
(hidden hunger).

Releasing the Nutrition Education material at the valedictory of the International Conference on Endocrine Disrupting
Chemicals, in Hyderabad on December 14, 2018. Visiting the Nidhi Centre of Excellence Lab, at the Vel Tech University, in Chennai on March 13, 2019

74 75
 Releasing the souvenir at the three-day International Conference on Recent Developments in Clean and Safe Interacting with the Scientists from the Antarctica Ground Station for Earth Observation Satellites, at Bharati Station, Larsemann
Nuclear Power Generation organised by the Institution of Engineers in Hyderabad on October 03, 2018. Hills, Antarctica via video conferencing, at National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad on September 24, 2018.

Releasing the 8th National Awards Booklet, at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the With the winners of the NASI SCOPUS Young Scientist Awards-2018, in New
Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology, in Chennai on January 24, 2019. Delhi on November 21, 2018.

76 77
 Technological advancements are important. But every
technological breakthrough must be aimed at addressing
the great challenges of our time posed by climate change,
pollution, rapid industrialization, urbanization, water shortage
and agrarian distress.

Addressing the Maritime Conference SAGAR Discourse 2.0 organized by Forum for
Integrated National Security in Panaji Goa on October 23 2018.

78 79
 We must never be complacent and satisfied with what we have Innovation and entrepreneurship are the twin engines that
achieved. Innovation requires constant churning of ideas and creative will propel India to a new era of economic prosperity and
thinking to develop unique products. social inclusion.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Rural Innovators Startup Addressing the Scientists and Researchers at the National Remote Sensing
Conclave, at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, in Centre, in Hyderabad on September 24, 2018.
Hyderabad on August 30, 2018.

80 81
 With the scientists and researchers at the National Remote Sensing Centre,
in Hyderabad on September 24, 2018.

82 83
 When the world was worried about the Y2K problem, our
engineering talent stepped in to assist industries across the
globe. Our computer scientists have been at the forefront of the
knowledge revolution and are occupying key positions across
the globe.

For technology to be truly meaningful, we need to balance the

technical capabilities with humanity and the wellbeing of our
planet.

The main objective of every scientific achievement should be to

improve the lives of the people by addressing the challenges the
mankind is facing on different fronts.

Technology helps us transcend the limitations of space and

time. One can now learn anywhere, anytime and virtually in any
language one wants.

Visiting the Veterinary Pathology Museum of the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary

University, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh on April 24, 2019

84 85
 Visiting the laboratories and exhibition galleries, at the National Institute
of Oceanography, in Dona Paula, Goa on March 24, 2019

India should fully tap the enormous potential

of the Blue Economy to achieve higher
economic growth trajectory and initiate
appropriate programs for sustainable
harnessing of ocean resources, research and
develop relevant sectors of oceanography.

86 87
 Scientists must not live in ivory
towers. The fruits of scientific
research must improve the lives of the
common man.

88 89
 NURTURING
CULTURAL CAPITAL
RECOLLECTING THE PAST,
BUILDING THE FUTURE

90 91
 NURTURING
CULTURAL
CAPITAL
Recollecting the past, Building the future

The Vice President is a strong votary of preservation and propagation

of India’s rich cultural heritage. He believes that each of us in India need
to be aware of the country’s grand tradition of literature, music, dance,
theatre, art, architecture and science spanning over two thousand
years. In his interactions, he has consistently highlighted the need to
preserve culture and protect nature to ensure a bright future.
Speaking at the launch of a book on the renovation of Sri
Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangam, the Vice President talked of
preserving antiquity for posterity with the government joining hands with Love and live with nature.
the civil society organizations to preserve our tangible and intangible
cultural heritage. Recalling the words of Bhasa, the famous Sanskrit
dramatist, he said, “It is much more difficult to preserve treasure than
to acquire it. Our country’s innumerable treasures lie largely buried
Nature and culture for a better
under the weight of relative neglect and inertia. We cannot allow this to
continue.”
future.
Addressing the gathering at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma
Gana Sabha, in Chennai on December 02, 2018, the Vice President
reminded the audience that “India’s rich tradition of music and art must
be understood in the context of Indian life and thought that promotes
the concepts of harmony and integration. In the Indian world view, art
is an integral and important part of human existence and adds value to
the quality of human lives.”
The Vice President is a passionate champion of Indian languages which,
he points out, are“vehicles of intergenerational transmission of culture,
scientific knowledge and a worldview. Language is the vital, unseen
thread that links the past with the present.”
At the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Central Institute of Indian
Languages, Mysore, he stated: “Our languages are a crucial part of our
history, our culture and our evolution as a society. India is a linguistic
treasure trove, a nation widely acknowledged for its extraordinary
linguistic and cultural diversity. The plurality and co-existence of multiple
languages add color and vitality to our country and make it unique.”

92 93
 Paying tributes to Shaheed Udham Singh, at the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial in
At the Centenary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre, at the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, in Amritsar, Punjab on April 13, 2019.
Amritsar, Punjab on April 13, 2019.

94 95

India’s development story will be totally incomplete
without ‘inclusion’ and harnessing the hidden potential
of all people including the differently abled.
96
Our societal norms should be changed through
intensive awareness campaigns to remove the stigma
attached to disability.
We need to recognize the valuable human assets we
have in persons with disabilities.
We have a duty towards fellow human beings to make
them lead good quality lives with dignity.
With The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and Union
Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot at “Divya Kala
Shakti : Witnessing Ability in Disability”, New Delhi on July 23, 2019.
97
 It goes without saying that various art forms like Music,
Theater and Visual arts transcend all barriers of language,
religion, geographies and hierarchies. They speak and convey
the message in the universal language that is understood by
one and all.

The Sanskrit word for culture in ‘Sanskriti’ signifies ‘a special

creation’ and a ‘transformative experience’. Refinement,
sublimation and the ability to see ‘extraordinariness’ in
‘ordinariness’ is at the root of all art forms.

Presenting the ‘Legends of India’ awards to renowned painter and sculptor, Shri
Satish Gujral, in New Delhi on August 31, 2018.

Addressing at the “CHIRAGH” concert of the South Asian Symphony Orchestra, performed at the National Centre for Performing Arts, in Mumbai on April 26, 2019.
98 99
 It is said of the great Indian epic Ramayana
that “as long as mountains stand on this
earth and the rivers flow, the story of
Ramayana shall continue to be popular”.
What is true of the Ramayana is true of the
entire treasure house of knowledge that
India has given to the world.

Address at Inauguration of World Parliament of Science, Religion and

100 Philosophy – Pune, October 2, 2018 101
 Inaugural address at a three-day Conference on Soft Power in New Delhi on
December 17, 2018

102 103
 India always believed in using soft power for the welfare and
betterment of the entire humanity. That’s what is expounded
Kumbh conveys an important message that it is the river that
in this Shanti mantra: ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu
sustains us like divine nectar or ambrosia. It is divine, so, we
Niramaya, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu and Maa-kaschith dukh
must worship it, not defile it. It is life giving, so, we have to
bhaag bhavet”, which means let everybody be happy, let
preserve it.
everybody be disease-free, let everyone see only the good
things, may no one lead a miserable life.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to inaugurate a three-day

At the Kiva Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh on February 16 2019. Conference on Soft Power, in New Delhi on December 17, 2018.

104 105
 Never look for short-cuts or quick fixes to scale
new heights. Perseverance, honesty, empathy,
patience and self-belief will enable you to realize
your dreams. Nothing is impossible to achieve
but the path you choose has be a righteous
one. Never yield to temptations for short term
or selfish gains. Always remain committed to
highest moral and ethical values.

Good quality education is truly a Kalpavriksha

for the individual, for a country, a nation and for
the world. It is a unique treasure. As the ancient
Indian Subhashita goes,
“Vyaye krute vardhathaevanityam
Vidya dhanam sarvadhana pradhaanam”
Of all the treasures, education is the most
important and most crucial. It is unique because
more you share it with others, the more it grows.

Address at the inauguration the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Sri

Satya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Bengaluru on June 9, 2019.

106 107
 Whenever the world is faced with the threats of
fragmentation, conflict, hatred and irrational prejudices,
the Indian voice brings to the world the soothing,
inclusive perspectives that have pervaded its cultural
world for more than two millennia.

At the 21st Mahaveer Awards in Chennai on December 2, 2018. We have inherited a treasure house of ideas, values
and attitudes. In a world of unprecedented changes,
we need a sheet anchor and a spiritual compass. India
could offer those to the world.

At the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma Gana

Sabha in Chennai on December 2, 2018.

108 109
 To Gandhiji, Khadi was not just home spun fabric
but a revolutionary idea that had great potential to
bring Indian masses together, to inspire the one of its
kind Indian independence movement. Khadi, often
referred to as the ‘fabric of Indian independence,
represented freedom from colonialism on the one
hand and self-reliance and economic self-sufficiency
on the other. Today, Khadi stands as indomitable
symbol of national integrity, patriotism, communal
harmony and spiritual humility.

At the unveiling of the 150 sq. mts. Grand Wall Mural of

At the Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan, in Connaught Place, New Delhi on April 06, 2019.
Mahatma Gandhi at New Delhi on January 31, 2019.

110 111
 On one hand, the world is moving forward at a very fast pace,
but on other hand it is also experiencing chaos, confusion,
bloodshed and discrimination. The solution to this chaos lies
within the ideals of all the religions. All religions preach love.
Internalization of this ideal can foster world peace and harmony.

Practicing Yoga Aasanas, at the International

Day of Yoga celebrations, organised by Prajapita
Brahma Kumaris Vishwa Vidyalaya, at the Red Fort
grounds, in Delhi on June 21, 2019.

At the Sangam in Prayagraj on the occasion of Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh on

February 16, 2019.

112 113
 The Kartarpur Corridor is a
proposed border corridor between
India and Pakistan, connecting
the Sikh shrines of Dera Baba
Nanak Sahib in Punjab, India
and Gurudwara Darbar Sahib
Kartarpur in Punjab, Pakistan.
The corridor is intended to allow
religious devotees from India to
visit the Gurudwara in Kartarpur,
4.7 kilometres from the Pakistan
India border, without a visa.

Address at the release of commemorative coins on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru
Nanak Dev, on June 27, 2019

Guru Nanak Dev ji was a shining representative

of the sublime spiritual ethos of the Bhakti
movement. He took faith out of broken
structures of rituals and superstitions and
kindled it in the hearts of common people. He
truly democratized religion. He humanized God
and through his teachings, showed the divine
path to entire humanity.

At the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Kartarpur Corridor on November 26,

114 115
 India has, from time immemorial, been one of the foremost
cultural forces in the world. It was known as ‘Vishwaguru’
because of its cultural, spiritual and intellectual leadership.

Inaugurating the 5th Bi-Annual Photo Exhibition - The Big Picture, organised by the
At the Museum on Dr. M.S. Subbulakshmi, at the Sri Shanmuukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeeth Sabha, Working News Camerapersons Association, in New Delhi on February 14, 2019.
in Mumbai on September 28, 2018.

116 117
 The greatness of the tribes lies in this that they
have managed to retain the primal skills and
their natural simplicity. Their creations have a
timeless appeal. The crudest tribal handicraft
instantly touches a chord in all of us. This is also
particularly true of tribal music and dance.

Witnessing the tribal dance performance by the Tribal Artists, at the 15th
Foundation Day Celebrations of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Greeting the Tribal Guests, who participated in the Republic Day Parade - 2019 at the Uparashtrapati
in New Delhi on February 19,2019. Bhawan in New Delhi on January 28, 2019.

118 119
 Paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, at the premises of GITAM University, in
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on August 24, 2018.

120 121
 The invaluable contribution made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in
Sardar Patel, the unifier of India, was one of the greatest sons of
building a new India must be remembered by every Indian.
our nation. He was among the tallest of the builders of modern
India and its federal polity.

Paying respects to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Museum of the Statue of

At the Statue of Unity, in Kevadia, Gujarat on January 20, 2019. Unity, in Kevadia, Gujarat on January 20, 2019.

122 123
 Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru strongly felt that
integration of science and technology with
national planning was necessary to improve
the socio-economic conditions of the
teeming millions of people of our country.
At the statue of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in Parliament, 2019.
124
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri was an exemplary leader, his humility,
courage, determination, integrity and moral uprightness were
legendary. He had great clarity of vision and even greater
conviction in the capacity of his beloved nation to overcome all
odds and survive.
Paying floral tributes to the late Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri before presenting the 19th
Lal Bahadur Shastri Award for Excellence 2018 in New Delhi on October 22,2018.
125
 Vivekananda believed in the upliftment of humanity,
We are mere trustees of whatever we have
irrespective of caste or creed and emphasised the
inherited in terms of social order and natural
importance of spiritualism for the survival and progress of
resources. It is our sacred duty to preserve them
mankind. He was a great social reformer who fought against
and hand them over to our posterity.
fundamentalism and dogmatism all through his life.

Paying homage to Bhagwan Mahaveer at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Janam Kalyanak Mahotsav, Paying homage to Swami Vivekananda, at Swarna Bharat Trust, in Muchintal, Hyderabad on
organised by the Jain Seva Sangh on Mahaveer Jayanti, in Hyderabad on April 17, 2019. January 12, 2019.

126 127
 ‘Share and Care’ are the core values of Indian Philosophy. We India is a thriving, vibrant democracy. At the heart of its
should develop the feeling of oneness and be empathetic to life and vitality is the commitment to solve issues amicably
needs and sufferings of fellow citizens. through well-informed debates and discussions.

Paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Hyderabad on August 29, 2018. Paying homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on March 03, 2019.

128 129
 Be proud to be called as Bharateeya and live as
Bharateeya.

The Swarajya for our country was a hard earned

outcome of a persistent struggle waged by countless
patriotic women and men. It was led by men and
women of rare vision, dedication and national pride.

Paying homage to the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, at Parliament building, in New Delhi on
December 13, 2018.

130 131
 Paying tributes to Tamil Poet, Shri Subramania Bharatiyar, on his Birth Anniversary, in New Delhi
At the Exhibition organised on the Quit India Day, in New Delhi on August 09, 2018. on December 11, 2018.

132 133
 We are all heirs to a great civilization that had a
universal, inclusive, integrated vision of welfare of all
humanity. This makes our country’s vision a timeless
and therefore, an eternally relevant vision.

At the Ugadi Milan hosted by the Vice President at the Uparashtrapati Bhawan in
New Delhi on April 06 2019.

134 135
 Releasing the three-volume book - ‘Felicitating a Legendary Archaeologist B.B. Lal’, in New Delhi on March 22, 2019. Releasing a Coffee Table Book on Srirangam Temple in Chennai on July 13, 2019.

Releasing the book titled ‘Grameena Prajavani – Sunkara Satyanaraya Shasana Mandali Prasangalu’, in New Delhi on May 04, 2019.
Releasing the book ‘Prominent Sikhs of India’ in New Delhi on October 29, 2018.

136 Releasing the book, ‘India’s Ocean Neighbourhood Narendra Modi’s Strategy Initiatives’ in Hyderabad on January 17, 2019. Releasing the Book ‘Yoga and Mindfulness’, authored by well known Yoga exponent, Ms. Mansi Gulati, in New Delhi on October 29, 2018. 137
 Releasing the book ‘Over 130 years Compendium (1885-2016)’ on Releasing the book ‘Vivekadeepini in 10 languages in New Delhi on
Ongole breed cattle, compiled by Shri Mullapudi Narendranath, at the July 7, 2019.
Releasing the Book at the Centenary Celebrations of Shri Gora Sastri organised by Veteran Journalists Association, in Hyderabad on July 20, Swarna Bharat Trust, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on May 20, 2019.
2019.

Releasing the Special Postal Cover and Stamp, at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kollam Press Club, in Kollam, Kerala on February 02, Releasing the Book ‘Universal Brotherhood Through Yoga’, compiled by Bharatiya Sanskrit Pitham, in New Delhi on January 21, 2019.
138 2019. The Governor of Kerala. 139
 At the launch of the Book Chandra Shekhar - the last Icon of Ideological Politics in
Parliament Library Building in New Delhi on July 24, 2019.

At the release of the commemorative Postage Stamp to mark the 750th birth anniversary
of Sri Vedanta Desika in New Delhi on May 2, 2019.

140 141
 Releasing the Book - ‘The Republican
Ethic’, containing selected speeches
of President of India, published by
the Publications Division, Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting, in New
Delhi on December 08, 2018.

142 143
 Art unites hearts. Art makes us more
humane. Art is the articulation of a
civilization’s value system.

Monuments do not earn their greatness by

their design and structure alone, it is the
vision behind its creation that matters.

At the Exhibition, organised on the occasion of the Second Edition of Lok

Manthan 2018 by the Colloquium of ‘Nation First’ Thinkers and Practitioners, in
Ranchi, Jharkhand on September 27, 2018.

144 145
 We need a “Surakshit Bharat” as much as
a “Samruddh Bharat”, and we cannot have
a “Surakshit Bharat” without a “Saksham
Bharat”. The knowledge and competence
of our forces and their ability to innovate,
improvise and implement will be critical in
strengthening national security.

Visiting the National War Memorial, built in the premises of India Gate, in
New Delhi on March 03, 2019.

146 147
At the 18th Anniversary Celebrations of the Swarna Bharat Trust, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
on February 22, 2019.

Hon’ble President Shri Ramnath

Kovind inaugurates 18th Anniversary
Celebrations of Swarna Bharat Trust
at Venkatachalam, Nellore.

148 149
 Fundamentally, I believe that modern man must re-establish
the link with nature, as did the ancients in India centuries ago,
and take from Earth and the environment only so much as we
can replenish. Let us together be responsive to the changing
needs of the world to achieve sustainable development that is
equitable and people-centred.

Witnessing the cultural performance presented by the students at Akshara

At the 18th Anniversary Celebrations of the Swarna Bharat Trust, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on February 22, 2019.
Vidyalaya, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on February 22, 2019.

150 151
 Books are our intellectual and cultural capital. India’s rich tradition of music and art must be
They are important parts of our intangible heritage. understood in the context of Indian life and
There is a need to inculcate the habit of reading thought that promotes the concepts of harmony
from a young age. and integration. In the Indian world view, art is an
integral and important part of human existence
and adds value to the quality of human lives.

Looking at a Book Stall at the 32nd Hyderabad National Book Fair 2018, in Hyderabad on December 15, 2018. With the Students who have performed cultural events, at the birth centenary celebrations of Fr. Theo Mathias SJ, the founder Principal of the Andhra
Loyola College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on January 05, 2018.

152 153
 Unveiling the 150-square-metre Wall Mural of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma
Gandhi, which is made of Terracotta Kullads, in New Delhi on January 31, 2019.

154 155
 We must leverage our scientific and
technological knowledge to the best possible
extent and do our best to reverse the
consequences of the damage we have caused
to the environment.

156 157
 ENGAGING
WITH THE WORLD
STRENGTHENING BONDS,
FOSTERING PEACE

158 159
 ENGAGING WITH
THE WORLD
Strengthening bonds, Fostering peace
The Vice President, in his official visits abroad, has been advocating for
a just and responsive world order where the power and responsibilities
are shared, opinions and voices are respected and wealth and earth’s
resources are prudently utilized. Terror has no religion, race or
colour. It is veritably an enemy
He has reminded the world community of the need to unitedly combat
the challenge of terrorism and ensure that the multilateral forums are not

of humanity. Let’s unite to root it

dominated or influenced by a few powers and communities. The new
and reformed World Order, according to him, would essentially imply

out.
the balanced pursuit of national interests while upholding the broader
duties and values mandated by our membership of the entire comity of
nations.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is
The Vice President has reiterated India’s readiness to strengthen existing
ties and forge new ones with countries around the world based on the

the basic Indian philosophy.

Indian vision, encapsulated in the Indian prayer “Sahanavavatu” (“Let
us use our knowledge to advance together. Let us not have any hatred

Share and care is its core. Let

towards each other”).
Decrying divisive discourse and irrational terrorist violence, the Vice
President has emphasized that world peace is the basic prerequisite
for progress. For him, terrorism is an enemy of humanity which has no
all countries co-exist and work
religion or national boundary. He has been advocating for a concerted
global action to condemn, isolate and act against the forces that unleash
harmoniously towards inclusive
violence and impede development. and sustainable development.
Responding to the conferment of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University
of Peace in Costa Rica, he defined peace in the broadest terms. For
him, Peace is not merely absence of conflict but a positive state of
well-being in which each individual in society can feel free to grow and
access opportunities equitably, where justice is dispensed without fear
or favour, where the rule of law prevails, where there is no discrimination
on any basis, where national fervor and international cooperation co-
exist and where force is used only to defend not to attack and the focus
of the polity is on improving the quality of people’s lives.
He has also repeatedly underscored the need for world community to
continuously refocus attention on development and work consistently
and tenaciously to honour the commitments made in the United Nations
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

160 161
 The world needs India and India
has a role to play because the
problems and challenges facing
the planet today need a humane,
holistic vision. The world needs India
because it needs to harness the
potential of dialogue and discussion,
collaboration and co-operation.

162 163
 The Vice President is the first high-
level dignitary from India to visit
Serbia in 30 years. His address at
the special session of the Parliament
on Non-Aligned Movement and
strengthening the democratic roots
received standing ovation from
lawmakers of Serbia.

Addressing the Special Session of the National Assembly of Serbia, in

Belgrade, Serbia on September 15, 2018.

164 165
 Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu is the first
Indian to receive this honour ‘in
recognition of his contribution
to the rule of law, democracy,
sustainable development and
peace’.
The Vice President felt that this honour
conferred on him, was in a sense,
a global acknowledgement of the
age-old Indian values of peace and
harmony, embedded in our philosophy
of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

Addressing the gathering at the conferment of ‘Honoris Causa’ at the

University of Peace in Costa Rica on March 8, 2019.

166 167
 Vice President represented India at
the Armistice Centenary ceremony in
Paris to commemorate the armistice
of World War I at Arc de Triomphe
India has consistently taken an unrelenting and and attended the Paris Peace Forum.
uncompromising stand against terrorism. We continue to Met 49 Heads of State and Heads of
be champions of peace. Government on the sidelines of the
ceremony.
The world needs India because it needs a voice that
speaks of peace, non-violence and peaceful co-existence.

Peace is prerequisite for progress of any nation. One

cannot pay attention to development if there is tension
within the country or outside.

President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron receiving Vice President at

Armistice Centenary Paris.

168 At Paris Peace Forum’s Plenary session on ‘Dialogue of Continents on Global Governance’. 169

India’s vision has been of a world as one large family
and it’s dreams have been woven around the theme of
peaceful co-existence.
Emplaning for France from New Delhi on November 09, 2018.
170
Our core civilizational principle of viewing the world as
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and our prayer of ‘Sarve Jana
Sukhino Bhavanthu’ gives us the moral strength and
courage to influence global discourse in these testing times
of great turbulence.
At the banquet hosted by the President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, in
Paris, France on November 10, 2018.
171
 We need united efforts of the world to deal with global
development priorities such as eradication of poverty,
providing education, health care, employment and
gender parity.

We are today confronted by global challenges that need

a global response. The significant threats to world peace
and security, to financial integrity and environmental
protection need concerted action.

Terrorism can never be treated with kid gloves.

Connecting nations, connecting the hearts and

connecting minds and connecting economic
development with environmental protection is at the
heart of our commitment to create the world we all want. With President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron With President of the USA, Mr. Donald Trump With Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin

Meeting heads of various countries at the banquet hosted by the President of

France on November 10, 2018.
With German Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel With President of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan With President of Kenya, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta
172 173
 The artistes of Kathakali at the Jain Cultural Centre in Antwerp, Belgium on October 20, 2018.

174 175
 Peace begins with our search for common bonds
that unite us rather than when we look for and
accentuate the differences.

Addressing the Indian Community in Botswana on November 2, 2018.

176 177
 The first-of-its-kind Indian war memorial in
Villers-Guislain is a testimony to the valour of
the Indian soldiers. Even though it was not a
war that India was involved with directly, they
fought for human liberty and freedom. Their
contributions can never be forgotten.

Unveiling the Indian War Memorial in Villers-Guislain, France on

November 10, 2018.

178 179
 At the first plenary of the 12th ASEM
Summit in Brussels, Belgium on
October 19, 2018.

At the Summit, the Vice President joined

the other global leaders in unanimously
stressing the role of ASEM as a main
platform for Europe and Asia to strengthen
dialogue, foster cooperation and tackle
global challenges, and work towards
2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
180 181
 From Yoga to Spirituality to Bollywood;
Bharatnatyam to Buddhism; cuisine to tourism,
India has immense potential to use its Soft
Power for expanding its global outreach.

The Historic Art Institute was the venue

of Swami Vivekananda’s legendary
speech at the Parliament of the World’s
Religions in 1893. The 2nd
World Hindu Congress, 2018 was
held to commemorate the 125th
anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Addressing the 2nd World Hindu Congress 2018, at the Art Institute of Chicago,
historic address. USA on September 10, 2018

182 183
 Peace is not merely absence of conflict but a positive state
of well being in which each individual in society can feel free
to grow and access opportunities equitably, where justice is
dispensed without fear or favour, where the rule of law prevails,
where there is no discrimination on any basis, where national
fervor and international cooperation co-exist and where force is
used only to defend not to attack and the focus of the polity is
on improving the quality of people’s lives.

Paying tributes at the Bust of Mahatma Gandhi, in Belgrade, Serbia on

September 16, 2018.

184 185
 Vivekananda was a charismatic spiritual leader,
and a towering intellectual who introduced
Vedanta philosophy to the West and inspired
millions across the world through his teachings.
His message of unity of religions and service to
humanity are universal and eternally relevant.

Addressing the 2nd World Hindu Congress 2018, held in commemoration of

125th year of Swami Vivekananda’s address at Parliament of the World Religions
in 1893.

186 187
 India’s vision has been of a world as one large family and its
dreams have been woven around the theme of peaceful co-
existence. In the long rich lineage of path-breaking thought
leaders comes Lord Buddha, a truly remarkable fountainhead
of wisdom.

The global leadership more than ever needs to work together

to promote dialogue, harmony and justice, based on
compassion and wisdom. We need to create a more positive
environment of peace by agreeing to work together to uphold
the ideals of Lord Buddha and promote values of peace,
accommodation, inclusiveness and compassion in the policies
and conduct of the global community.

At UN Vesak Day in Vietnam on May 12, 2019.

188 189
 Vesak Day commemorates the three
most important events in the life of Lord
Buddha, his birth, his enlightenment
and his Parinirvana.
The Vice President, Shri. M. Venkaiah
Naidu was the Keynote Speaker at the
World Buddhist Conference held on
the United Nations’ Day of Vesak 2019
which was hosted by the Government
of Vietnam.

Addressing the UN Vesak Day Celebrations in Vietnam on May 12, 2019.

190 191
 The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr. Lotay Tshering calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on
December 28, 2018.

Calling on the President of Malta, Ms. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, at Meeting the Prime Minister of Romania, Ms. Viorica Dancila, in
San Anton Palace, Halbalzan, Malta on September 17, 2018. Bucharest, Romania on September 19, 2018.

Calling on the President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, at the Presidential Palace, in Bucharest, Romania on
September 19, 2018.

Calling on the President of Paraguay Mr. Mario Abdo Benitez, in The President of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vucic releasing the
Asuncion, Paraguay on March 06, 2019. Commemorative Stamps on two great personalities, Swami
Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla, at Serbia Palace in Belgrade, on
Unveiling the Plaque to lay foundation for the New Chancery Building at the Indian Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe September 15, 2018.
on November 04, 2018.
192 193
 At the delegation level talks with the President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Werner
Iohannis, at the Presidential Palace, in Bucharest, Romania on September 19, 2018.

194 195
 CATALYZING A NEW
AND RESURGENT
INDIA
LEADING THE DIALOGUE
FOR DEVELOPMENT

196 197
 CATALYZING
A NEW AND
RESURGENT Let us be united by the common goals
INDIA and with harmonious collaborative
approach as well as balanced
Leading the dialogue for development
perspective, work together just as all
The Vice President believes that if India has to move forward and faster,
all states must make progress. He has made it a point to visit all the diverse elements of the universe act in
states and Union Territories and interact with a variety of stakeholders,
including the captains of Indian industry, agriculturists, leading bankers, a coordinated fashion.
defence personnel, administrators, doyens of fine arts, legal luminaries,
accounting professionals and eminent sports persons.
He believes in fostering a dialogue on development and catalyzing We now have a unique opportunity to
a synergistic momentum for India’s rapid growth and inclusive
development. He takes inspiration from the following ancient transform India through cooperative
Indian saying that calls for collaborative action;
federalism and working together
as Team India for strong, stable,
Samaanee Va Aakootih prosperous, happy India.
Samaanaa Hridayaani va,
Samaanamastu Vo mano
Yathaa Vah Susahaasati.

198 199
 Vote was not just a right but a responsibility
bestowed upon each of our citizens by the framers
of the Constitution.

People should elect representatives who possess

Character, Calibre, Capacity and good Conduct.

200 201
 This is the right time for foreign investors
to tap the huge potential offered by India in
various sectors from real estate to healthcare.
Road connectivity is key to national
India is the bright spot in the world’s economy
development. It has the potential to bring
today. Global corporations are getting
a positive change in lives of people living in
attracted to India because of the huge
remote corners of rural India.
untapped potential in the Indian consumer
market, driven by favourable demographics
and rising disposable incomes.

At the 9th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 20, 2019. At the Bhoomi Poojan for the four-laning of NH-571, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat on August 12, 2018.

202 203
 No one expects businesses to be run as charities or Social development should be at the core of every
philanthropic organizations. But please make sure that you project undertaken by Smart Cities. While catering to
behave responsibly and ethically while pursuing your business the needs of the aspirational generation, the smart city
interests and discharge your wider social responsibility in planners should consciously address vulnerabilities
protecting the interests of all stakeholders. among marginalized classes.

Giving away the Emerging Company of the year Award to Page Industries at the Economic Times Awards 2018 for Visiting the Smart City Expo India 2018, in Jaipur, Rajasthan on September 26, 2018.
Corporate Excellence in Mumbai on November 17 2018.

204 205
 It is my ambition that along with being the
world leader in generic medicines, India should
I would appeal to all airlines and other
also promote Indian systems of Medicine.
stakeholders in the aviation industry to accord
I urge young researchers to work towards
highest priority to passenger safety, timely
standardizing and benchmarking Indian
operations, efficient cargo handling and better
systems of medicine. There is a need to
amenities for passengers.
ensure the validity and efficacy of the traditional
medicines using globally established protocols.

Inaugurating the first International Flight from Vijayawada to Singapore at Vijayawada Addressing the 70th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress, held at Amity University, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on December 21, 2018.
Airport, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on December 04, 2018.

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Presenting the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, At the Passing Out Parade of 50th Batch of Directly Appointed Gazetted Officers of Central Reserve Police Force, at the CRPF Academy, in
in New Delhi on December 03, 2018. Gurugram, Haryana on December 16, 2018.

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 From time immemorial Indians believed in living with nature
as encapsulated in ‘Vruksho Rakshathi Rakshithaha’. Let
us get back to our roots and preserve our culture and
nature. All of us have a responsibility to handover a greener
and cleaner planet to our future generations.

I have always been advocating that our education system

should promote the concept of sustainable development
which keeps nature at the centre of mankind’s progress.
Sustainable development requires symbiotic relationship
between economics and environment.

210 211
 In fostering India-Botswana relationship, Indian
community has been playing a big role by virtue
of its entrepreneurship and economic activities,
including diamond trading.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Smart City Expo India 2018, in Visiting an exhibit of diamonds in the shape of India, during his visit to the Diamond
Jaipur, Rajasthan on September 26, 2018. Trading Company Botswana, in Gaborone, Botswana on November 02, 2018.

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 Our ultimate goal should be to achieve the long-
lasting development for an inclusive and equitable
society whereby the benefits of prosperous growth
reach the farthest person first.

Unveiling the plaque to launch two year celebrations of ‘Beyond Twenty by 2020’ Campaign, marking the 20th anniversary of the Indian
Institute of Information Technology, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on October, 2018.

At the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet (GIM)-2019, in Chennai on January 24, 2019. Laying foundation stone for the Integrated Passenger Terminal Building at Vijayawada Airport, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
214 on December 04, 2018. 215
 “The Father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi
accorded highest priority to sanitation and Connectivity is an essential and important
cleanliness. He said, “Sanitation is more important component in bridging the urban-rural divide. We
than political freedom.” I feel very proud that in the must give priority to rural roads. They are crucial
past few years, India has made unprecedented for the all-round development of our country.
progress towards achieving universal safe
sanitation goals.

Participating in the construction of a Sanitation Pit, as part of Swachhata Hi

Seva 2018 awareness programme, at Lalkhatang Panchayat, near Ranchi, Performing Bhoomi Poojan for the four-laning of NH-571, in Bhavnagar,
Jharkhand on September 27, 2018. Gujarat on August 12, 2018.

216 217
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the ‘High Court Annexe’ at Allahabad on October 13, 2018. Presenting the Vayoshreshtha Samman Awards 2018 to Senior Citizens in New Delhi on October 01, 2018.

While our Constitution envisages independence of Under our traditional Joint family system, the elderly
judiciary from the executive, the legislature and judiciary enjoyed a place of reverence. They were custodians of
should share healthy mutual respect and complement righteousness, traditions, family honour and samskar
each other for national development. and wisdom.

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 We have a tremendous responsibility
placed upon us, the task of building
a ‘Team India’, a resurgent India, a
strong India where the states work
seamlessly, in harmony, complementing
and compensating each other, even
while competing with each other.
Constructive consensus is the need of
the hour not disruptive confrontation.

At the India Today State of the State Awards, 2018 in New Delhi on November 22, 2018.

220 221
 Releasing the souvenir on the occasion of 15th Foundation Day Celebrations of
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi on February 19, 2019.
Time has come for a systemic reform of the
Indian banking sector. There has to be an
effective and efficient system of checks and
balances in place so that the loopholes in the
system are not taken advantage of.

Releasing the Commemorative Stamp, at the 125th Foundation Day celebrations

of the Punjab National Bank, in New Delhi on April 12, 2019.

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 As the economy grows and the corporate world
flourishes, more and more people should have access
Each son or daughter of our country in the sports to avenues that will enable them to realize their potential,
field could be a great motivational force to instil a which I would like to describe as Democratization
love for sports in young people. of opportunity. The industrial groups and various
companies need to adopt an inclusive approach so that
the right ecosystem is created for everybody to realize
his or her potential in the New India.

The Ace Badminton Player, Ms. P.V. Sindhu calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in Hyderabad on December 24, 2018. With the Awardees of the Economic Times Awards 2018 for Corporate Excellence in Mumbai on November 17, 2018.

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 I am extremely glad to note the multifarious duties being
carried out by CRPF, ranging from counter-insurgency
and counter-terrorist to anti-naxal operations in the
conflict torn areas.

With the Attested Officers of 50th Batch of Directly Appointed Gazetted Officers of
Central Reserve Police Force, at the CRPF Academy, in Gurugram, Haryana on
December 16, 2018.

Unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the new Admin Block of the School of Planning
and Architecture, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on August 23, 2018.

226 227
 “Giving back” to Nellore, my
place of birth.

Inspecting the Nellore Railway Station Developmental Plan at
an event to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for various Railway
Projects, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on February 21, 2019.
Inaugurating Obulavaripalle - Krishnapatnam Port Cargo Railway
line, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on February 21, 2019.
Signing the visitors book after inaugurating the All India Radio FM
Station, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on February 21, 2019.
With the staff of All India Radio FM Station, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
on February 21, 2019.

228 229
 Flagging off the MEMU Service between Nellore and Chennai in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on February 21, 2019.

230 231
 Universities are expected to generate
knowledge. If we are to become a
knowledge-based economy, the first thing
we have to do is to encourage a culture of
research and innovative thinking .

Presenting certificates to the Students at the 10th Convocation of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Presenting Business Excellence Awards at the 132nd Anniversary Celebrations
Fisheries Sciences University, in Bidar, Karnataka on August 31, 2018. of ‘Deepika’ Malayalam Daily, in New Delhi on March 27, 2019.

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 As our country sets itself to achieve new
benchmarks in growth and development, it is
beyond doubt that women’s empowerment would
be a key determining factor and I believe that
education is the best way to empower women.

Interacting with the Trainees at Swarna Bharat Trust, in Hyderabad on April 20, 2019.

234 235
 PRESIDING OVER
RAJYA SABHA
ENHANCING EFFECTIVENESS,
PROMOTING EFFICIENCY

236 237
 PRESIDING OVER
RAJYA SABHA
Enhancing effectiveness, Promoting
efficiency

During the second year in office, the Vice President as Chairman of

Rajya Sabha, has further intensified his efforts to enhance and ensure
efficiency of functioning of the Rajya Sabha and the Rajya Sabha
Secretariat.
The turn around
As Rajya Sabha Chairman, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has always reminded
the members that they must enhance the stature of the House through
meaningful debates and respond to the aspirational India’s development
needs rather than engage in disruptive behavior. In his observations in
the House on June 21, 2019 referred to the verdict of the people in the
General Elections and said;

The vibrant democracy of our country and the mandate given

by the people gives us the confidence that, as a nation, we can
make a huge leap and make the desired transformation happen
peacefully, harmoniously, inclusively and sustainably.

The 249th Session of Rajya Sabha that began on June 20, 2019 turned
out to be the best in the last five years. As on July 24, 2019 the Upper
House has passed 16 Bills, the best for any Session since 2014. There
were no disruptions for the first 13 sittings of the House during this
Session, the longest of its kind for several years.
Since August, 2017, Rajya Sabha passed a total of 50 Bills as on July
25, 2019.

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 The Vision
Keen about the Parliament effectively catalyzing socio-economic
transformation of the country, the Chairman suggested that the apex
legislative body of our country should become a ‘meeting ground’
rather than a ‘zone of divergence’.
In his observations with the House on June 21, 2019, Shri Naidu
outlined three major reforms by which the functioning of the Parliament
can be further improved.
a) Referring to the provisions under Article 107 of the Constitution
by which Bills passed by Lok Sabha but pending consideration
in Rajya Sabha get lapsed on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha,
Shri Venkaiah Naidu felt that re-introduction and consideration of
22 such bills in the 17th Lok Sabha would result in considerable
delays and costs. This can be avoided if the Rajya Sabha
can proceed with the consideration of these Bills unless the
Government wishes to withdraw any of them.
b) The Chairman also felt that there should be a time-limit of, say five
years, for passing a Bill and if any Bill doesn’t get passed within
that time limit, it should be deemed to have lapsed. Pointing out
that 33 Bills were still pending in Rajya Sabha, some like The
Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 1987 for over 32 years,
he suggested that a way should be found to reduce inordinate
delays and long pendency.
c) Noting the wide gap between the number of Bills passed by the
16th Lok Sabha (205) and by the Rajya Sabha (154) during the
corresponding period, Shri Naidu called for serious introspection
as to why there was so much of a divergence. Recalling the words
of the first Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Shri
Venkaiah Naidu stressed that Rajya Sabha should act as a ‘check’
on hasty legislation spurred by the possible emotive and political
considerations in the other House, but it should not obstruct the
very course of legislation by the Parliament. He underlined the
need for Parliament to explore means of convergence rather than
expand the zone of divergence.
Chairman Shri. Venkaiah Naidu called for a wider debate on the above
suggestions.

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 This House of Elders is meant to
ensure federal equilibrium and
equanimity in legislation.

242 243
Report to the people
In a first of its kind, Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
presented a ‘Report to the People’ on the functioning of the Rajya
Sabha during 2014-19 .He did so during his valedictory remarks on the
conclusion of the 248th Session of the Upper House on February 13,
2019.
“The 248th Session being the last one before the General Elections
of 2019, people need to know as to what extent this august House
lived up to its role and responsibilities. In a new initiative, I would like to
present the broad story of functioning of this august House over the last
five years”, the Chairman said.
Shri Naidu informed that since June, 2014 and till the 248th Session,
Rajya Sabha passed 154 Bills, which was 34 Bills less than the 188 Bills
passed during 2009-14, indicating a decline in legislative output. The
Chairman also noted that during 2014-19, Rajya Sabha could only avail
60% of the available time for taking up legislative business and issues
of public concern while 40% of the valuable time of the House was lost
on account of disruptions.
Reminding the Members that the country has entered the 70th year of
the Republic, Chairman Shri Naidu expressed concern over the growing
perception that our democracy is in danger through dysfunctional
legislatures. However, he reassured that he still remains an optimist and
hoped for a turn around. And the 249th Session of Rajya Sabha turned
out to be a break from the past.
The India we want is a democratic, developed,
inclusive, peaceful, harmonious India that
celebrates diversity and plurality.
244
Receiving Rules Review Committee
Report from Shri V. K. Agnihotri and
Shri Dinesh Bhardwaj, December
20, 2018.
Reform initiatives
Ushering in changes that enhance system efficiency, the Vice
President has initiated a number of reforms in the functioning of
the House as well as the Secretariat.
Chairman constituted a two Member Rules Review
Committee (RRC) on May 17, 2018 to recommend
amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in Rajya Sabha to enable more effective functioning
of the House. The Committee’s recommendations
submitted to the Chairman on December 20, 2018 are now
being examined.
Streamlining study visits of Parliamentary Committees, the
Chairman of Rajya Sabha has issued detailed guidelines.
Tendering process has been made more systematic and
transparent. So has the inventory management system.
The Chairman believes that information technology can
help make the House and the Secretariat more Member-
friendly and transparent. The e-Notice initiative announced
by the Chairman in the House on July 23, 2018 made
considerable progress with Members submitting a total of 8,720 notices
in electronic form since then. During the 248th Session of Rajya Sabha,
53.40% of all Parliamentary Notices were submitted by the members
through e-Notice.
To enable environment friendly paperless office in the Secretariat,
e-Office system has been launched on 1st July, 2019.
This provides an architecture of efficient online working
with increased transparency and accountability
A project for digitally archiving permanent records of the
Secretariat with the facility to retrieve the digitized data has
been initiated. Around 7.5 lakh pages of the old records
(up to 2014) of the Secretariat have been digitized.
To enable access for the Members of the House to all
official websites of Government of India and both the
Houses of Parliament, Wi-Fi facility has been provided
inside the Rajya Sabha.
A facility for online requisition and access of Parliament
Library references for Members of Rajya Sabha has
been made available through Members’ Login Portal
(https:#mprs.nic.in).
In view of the increasing users, the IT infrastructure in
terms of LAN and Wi-Fi has been upgraded. To enhance
245
 efficiency of the officers of the rank of Deputy Secretary and above,
officers of the Secretariat have been provided with laptops/computers.
To promote research/empirical/comparative study of the functioning
of the Parliament and other democratic institutions and analysing their
contribution to the country’s socio-economic transformation in a result
oriented manner, Chairman Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu approved ‘Rajya
Sabha Research and Study Scheme’ in June, 2019.
The revamped research initiative comprises of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
Chair (one), Rajya Sabha Fellowships (Four) with substantially enhanced
grants and a new component of Rajya Sabha Student Engagement
Internships (Ten).
To enable members of Rajya Sabha speak in their mother tongue,
simultaneous interpretation facility has been provided in all the
22 scheduled languages.
The Media Advisory Committee reconstituted by the Chairman
completed the task of revising the guidelines for accreditation of media
persons to the Press Gallery of Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha Calendar 2019 featured all the 13 Chairmen of the
House since 1952 beginning with Dr.S.Radhakrishnan and till the present
Chairman Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu along with their quotes concerning
the relevance and functioning of the House. It also featured all the
Deputy Chairpersons, Leaders of the House, Leaders of Opposition
and Secretaries –General of the House since 1952. The informative
calendar mirroring the political changes in the country since 1952 has
been widely acclaimed.
246
Rajya Sabha Television (RSTV) owned by Rajya Sabha has further
cemented it’s position among the leading news channels of the country.
With only 425,622 subscribers in August 2017, RSTV has crossed the
landmark of 3 million (30 lakh) YouTube subscribers on July 18, 2019
indicating it’s growing popularity among the viewers who care for facts
based analyses and programming.
RSTV has started a new fortnightly programme ‘Parliament 24X7’ in
March, 2019 based on the reports of the Department Related Standing
Committees and other Parliamentary Committees to highlight the
message that Parliament functions not only during the session period
but throughout the year.
The Chairman Rajya Sabha has focused on enhancing the professional
competence of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat through a number of training
programmes including the participation in a seminar organised by the
National Assembly Research Service, South Korea and in the newly
initiated study programme started by Bundersrat, the Upper House of
German Parliament.
For the first time in the history of Rajya Sabha, an eight-member
delegation led by Shri Harivansh, Dy. Chairman of Rajya Sabha visited
Japan during 16-20 March, 2019. Earlier, Dy. Chairman of Rajya Sabha,
Shri Harivansh received a Japanese delegation headed by Mr. Chuichi
Date, President, House of Councillors of the Diet of Japan on January
11, 2019.
247
 In another first of its kind, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
was signed by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
and the visiting President of the Senate of Rwanda on July 10, 2018. This
MoU aims to promote inter-Parliamentary partnerships and framework
between the Upper Houses of the two countries by promoting bilateral
exchange of information, experiences and ideas in common areas of
interests.
Small but significant changes
Ending colonial practices in the House, Chairman Shri Venkaiah Naidu
ruled that members should no longer have to ‘beg’ the chair to lay the
papers on the table and should, instead, simply say “I rise to lay the
papers on the table”. The Vice President is also keen to change certain
conventional phraseology. Like for instance, all his public engagements
now have no ‘vote of thanks’. There are only ‘words of thanks’. In
the letters being written by Members of Parliament, the concluding
“Yours obediently” has been replaced with “yours sincerely”. He also
advised the members of Rajya Sabha and the public not to address
Vice President as ‘Excellency’.

At a Luncheon Meeting hosted to the Floor Leaders of Rajya Sabha, in New Delhi on June 20, 2019.

248 249
 Rajya Sabha Secretariat has been ably supporting the
functioning of Rajya Sabha. I am glad that the staff
members are not only professionally competent but
also have artistic talents.

Distributing prizes to the children at the Rajya Sabha Day

celebrations, in New Delhi on April 29, 2019.

At the Rajya Sabha Day celebrations, in New Delhi on April

29, 2019.

250 251
 We are heirs to five thousand years of civilization
in our region from ancient Gandhara and the
Hindu Kush mountains to the river waters of the
Indus and the Ganga, from the mighty Himalayas
to the Bay of Bengal.

With the artists from Kathak Dharohar who presented an impressive cultural dance
performance, during the Rajya Sabha Day celebrations, in New Delhi on April 29, 2019.

252 253
 Let us discuss, debate and decide
but do not disrupt.

Let the government propose, let

the opposition oppose and let the
House dispose. That’s the spirit of
Parliamentary democracy.

Parliament is the temple of

democracy. We must collectively
maintain the sanctity of this sacred
institution.

At the unveiling ceremony of portrait of the former Prime Minister,

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at the Central Hall of Parliament, in New
Delhi on February 12, 2019.

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 We are currently at an interesting
point in our country’s history. We are
a young, aspirational India. We are
an India that is reinventing itself. My
thoughts are always focussed on
how I could serve as a catalyst in this
process of transforming India.

In Parliament’s precincts. The Central Hall is seen in the background.

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