Reflecting on Shri Harivansh’s distinguished career in journalism, the Prime Minister praised his commitment to high standards and impactful writing, recalling how he regularly read his articles during his own tenure in Gujarat. He observed that while Shri Harivansh’s writing possessed sharp edges born of deep study and firm conviction, his speech and conduct remained consistently gentle and courteous. During his journalism days, Shri Harivansh authored a pioneering column series titled ‘Hamara Sansad Kaisa Ho’ (What Should Our Parliament Member Be Like), which explored parliamentary conduct and dignity with remarkable depth long before he occupied the Chair himself. The Prime Minister suggested that new Members of Parliament from both Houses could learn immensely from these insights regarding their responsibilities.
The Prime Minister commended Shri Harivansh’s exemplary punctuality, disciplined life, and seriousness toward his duties, noting his full-time presence in the House even when not presiding. Beyond parliamentary walls, Shri Harivansh has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the youth, conducting over 350 programs in colleges and universities since 2018 to inspire them with the vision of Viksit Bharat. By utilizing historical references to explain India’s developmental trajectory, he has worked to build confidence among students while also influencing diverse sections of society through literature festivals in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Shri Modi shared an anecdote from Shri Harivansh’s 1994 visit to America, where he chose to spend his discretionary time studying universities to understand the educational culture required for national progress.
Administratively, the Prime Minister highlighted Shri Harivansh’s focused utilization of MPLADS funds as a model for all parliamentarians. His initiatives include establishing a center for endangered Indian languages at IIT Patna, a Center for Earthquake Engineering to address Bihar’s seismic vulnerability, a River Study Center at Aryabhatta Knowledge University, a Business Incubation and Innovation Center at Chandragupt Institute of Management, and an Artificial Intelligence Center at Magadh University. Despite his urban relocation, Shri Harivansh remains deeply connected to his village roots, contributing to the community's joys and sorrows. Shri Modi also recalled their productive collaboration during the construction of the new Parliament building, noting Shri Harivansh’s ability to perfect ideas for naming ceremonies, chambers, art galleries, and gates within days. Furthermore, he praised his role in training State Legislative bodies and his work with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in projecting India’s democratic strength globally.
Turning to current legislative priorities, Prime Minister Modi informed the House that a rigorous discussion is underway regarding the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, with deliberations continuing until 1 AM the previous night. He stated that all misconceptions have been addressed with logical responses and every concern raised by members has been resolved through the provision of necessary information. Emphasizing that women’s reservation has been the subject of political debate for nearly four decades, the Prime Minister declared that the time has come to ensure that women, who constitute half of the population, receive rightful representation. He argued that the low representation of women in decision-making processes after decades of independence is inappropriate and must be corrected.
As voting in the Lok Sabha was expected shortly, the Prime Minister urged all political parties to make a thoughtful and sensitive decision by voting in favor of the women’s reservation amendment. Appealing on behalf of the nation’s Nari Shakti, he urged MPs to ensure no action hurts the sentiments of the millions of women looking toward Parliament’s intent. He called upon members to listen to their inner conscience—reflecting on their own mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives—and to not deprive women of new opportunities. Shri Modi concluded by expressing confidence that a unanimous passage of the amendment would strengthen both Nari Shakti and Indian democracy, marking a historic moment for the nation in the second quarter of the 21st century.
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