The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha on Monday extended a warm welcome to CP Radhakrishnan as he assumed charge as the new Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, praising his humble origins and leadership qualities.
Speaking in the Upper House, Chadha said the people of Tiruppur, Radhakrishnan’s hometown, must be filled with pride. He added that members hoped the new Chairman would carry forward the democratic and deliberative traditions upheld by former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
“Sir, on welcoming you today, I feel that after a long darkness, a shining sun has risen,” Chadha said. “It seems like a boat stuck in a swamp has finally reached the shore. The soil of Tiruppur must be smelling of pride today—the soil where you were born, raised, and from where you rose through dedication, struggle, and public service.”
He recalled Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s belief that Parliament was fundamentally a deliberative body, not just a legislative one, and his principle of rising above party lines to serve all.
Earlier, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan expressed gratitude to members for their felicitations as he presided over the House for the first time since being elected in September. He highlighted how democracy enables individuals from modest backgrounds to rise to high offices.
“Citizens look up to Parliament—the highest forum of wisdom and collective judgment—to guide the nation,” he said. Quoting the Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, he added, “Speak only words that are useful and meaningful, and avoid those that do not serve society.”
Reflecting on his journey from Tiruppur, known as India’s knitwear capital, to the national capital, Radhakrishnan said it showcased the “remarkable power of our democracy.”
“Only in a democracy can a person rise from the humblest beginnings to such positions. This makes me more conscious of the duties of the Chair. We should all be proud of India’s democratic strength and celebrate her as the mother of democracy,” he said.
