Use your experience in national interest: PM Modi to retiring Rajya Sabha MPs

Rajya Sabha bade farewell to 72 of its members, who are set to retire between March and July this year.

He said, "Sometimes experience has more strength than academic knowledge. Academic knowledge has many limitations. It works in seminars, but experience gives you means to solve problems."

"When the experienced members leave the House, the responsibility of those present in the House increases further. We have to carry forward their good work," he added.

"It has to be our resolve to take the experience forward in all directions in national interest," the Prime Minister told the retiring members.

He said, "Our great men have given a lot to the country, now it is our responsibility to return."

The Prime Minister gave examples of ways to say goodbye to somebody in Bengali and Gujarati.

"While bidding goodbye to somebody, we say 'come again'. In the same way, we would want you to come again," he said.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu appreciated the 72 retiring MPs for their "commendable passion" for Parliament.

He said the retirement of 72 MPs was a big occasion.

"Each one of you will be in our thoughts," Naidu said.

Thursday was marked for farewell speeches for the retiring MPs.

Chairman Naidu will also give a farewell dinner to the 72 retiring Rajya Sabha MPs later in the evening.

Mementos will also be presented to the retiring MPs.