Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the newly elected Vice President, C.P. Radhakrishnan, as he assumed the role of Speaker and Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha on December 1, 2025. The occasion marked the beginning of the Parliament's Winter Session, where PM Modi shared gripping personal anecdotes from the Vice President's formative years, highlighting the experiences that forged his character and commitment to the nation.
From Childhood Perils to Spiritual Awakening
In his address, Prime Minister Modi delved into the extraordinary challenges that marked C.P. Radhakrishnan's early life. He recounted a harrowing incident from Radhakrishnan's childhood, where he nearly drowned at the Avinashi Temple. This brush with fate was followed by another life-threatening event: the future Vice President narrowly escaped a bomb blast in Coimbatore. These events, occurring years apart, underscored a life marked by resilience and survival against formidable odds.
PM Modi also narrated a pivotal moment of personal transformation during Radhakrishnan's visit to Kashi (Varanasi). It was there that a profound spiritual experience led him to make a significant lifestyle change, prompting him to give up non-vegetarian food entirely. The Prime Minister emphasized how these diverse experiences—a fight for life, an escape from violence, and a spiritual epiphany—collectively shaped Radhakrishnan's worldview and dedication to serving others.
A Journey Forged in Service and Values
Connecting these personal trials to public service, PM Modi underlined that these events were not merely anecdotes but foundational chapters that defined Radhakrishnan's path. They instilled in him a deep-seated dedication to the marginalized and a unwavering commitment to public welfare. The Prime Minister portrayed the Vice President's life as a testament to how personal values and profound experiences directly inform and strengthen one's contribution to the nation.
Steering the Upper House with a Unique Perspective
By sharing these stories at the commencement of the Winter Session, PM Modi framed Radhakrishnan's assumption of the Rajya Sabha Chairperson's role as a moment of significant import. He expressed confidence that the Vice President's unique life journey, marked by perseverance and spiritual grounding, would bring a valuable perspective to the proceedings of the Upper House. The address served as both a warm welcome and a powerful endorsement, celebrating Radhakrishnan's personal journey while highlighting its relevance to his constitutional role in strengthening India's parliamentary democracy.
The session began with a focus on unity and service, setting a tone that intertwined personal integrity with public duty, as embodied by the new presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
