Itanagar, Sep 9: Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday called upon legislators of Arunachal Pradesh to uphold the highest traditions of democracy and place public service above electoral considerations, saying that the State’s progress is integral to India’s development and security.
Addressing the Special Session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar, Radhakrishnan said the principles of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ (Nation First) and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ should guide legislative work.
He emphasised the importance of dialogue, debate and discussion in a democracy, stating that “debates, discussions or even disruptions must always lead to a decision”. He said healthy debates strengthen democratic institutions while constructive cooperation can accelerate the development of the State and the nation.
The Vice-President, who is also the Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha, urged legislators to make effective use of Question Hour and Zero Hour to raise matters concerning public policy and issues affecting their constituencies.
“Elections may be won through votes, but the respect and trust of people can only be earned through dedicated service,” he said, stressing that public service should remain the primary objective of elected representatives.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic importance, Radhakrishnan said the State, with its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s borders. He noted that the security of the rest of the country is closely linked with the protection of the borders by the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Emphasising India’s unity amid its diversity, he said the country is united by one Constitution, one vision of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ and one goal of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’. Quoting national poet Subramania Bharati, he highlighted the underlying unity of thought across India’s diverse languages and traditions.
Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy”, the Vice-President urged legislators to uphold the country’s rich democratic traditions and contribute to strengthening parliamentary institutions.
He also highlighted the growing focus on the North-East, recalling the establishment of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the emphasis on the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy.
Congratulating the Government and people of Arunachal Pradesh on the State’s development achievements, he referred to its emergence as the country’s leading producer of kiwi, expansion of road infrastructure, issuance of more than one lakh Soil Health Cards and progress in education and per capita income.
Radhakrishnan also congratulated the Arunachal Pradesh Legislature on completing its Golden Jubilee and appreciated initiatives such as making the Legislative Secretariat plastic-free and establishing the Assembly Library and Museum.
He stressed that there can be no Viksit Bharat without a Viksit Arunachal Pradesh, and called for inclusive development so that no tribal or marginalised community is left behind.
At the same time, he underscored the need to strike a balance between environmental protection and the responsible utilisation of natural resources. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh’s vast hydropower potential, he said its appropriate and responsible utilisation could generate greater revenue for the State and accelerate development and improve the welfare of its people.
Earlier, on his arrival at the Assembly premises, the Vice-President paid floral tributes to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He also visited the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Museum, which showcases the evolution of the State Legislature and its legislative journey.
Governor Lt Gen (Retd.) KT Parnaik, State Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MLAs, senior State Government officials and Legislative Secretariat officials were present on the occasion.