In a tribute to 59 MPs retiring from the Rajya Sabha between April and July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called Parliament “an open university” and made a special mention of former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House Mallikarjun Kharge and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, calling them leaders who have devoted their lives to parliamentary work.Modi noted that such occasions allow the House to rise above party lines and share a common sentiment. “In politics, there are no full stops; your experience and contribution will forever remain a part of the nation’s life,” he said.The Prime Minister also praised Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh for his soft-spoken conduct and his ability to maintain the House’s trust while handling complex crises. “There is much to learn from these senior leaders about staying committed to the responsibilities given by society,” he stated.Reflecting on the changing traditions of the House, Modi remarked that while the 24×7 media environment had made everyone more conscious, the legacy of humour and wit remains an essential part of parliamentary life. He mentioned Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and stated that he would continue to serve abundant ‘humour and satire’.“The departure of a group every two years allows for a continuous exchange of knowledge, ensuring that the House’s rich legacy is preserved by the incoming members. This institutional continuity is a significant advantage that strengthens the democratic process,” said the PM.Modi asserted that the parliamentary system gains immense strength from the concept of a “second opinion”; and the transition of decisions between the two Houses added a critical dimension to the legislative process, ensuring more refined outcomes for the country.Meanwhile, Kharge urged the government to extend the duration of parliamentary sessions to enable more substantive debates on important legislation and public issues. He also called for greater cooperation between treasury and Opposition benches, and a review of procedural rules while addressing the House during a farewell to retiring members.Expressing concern over the expunction of remarks, the Congress chief flagged the frequent removal of important portions of Opposition members’ statements from official records, saying it distorts the meaning of debates and undermines accountability.Kharge said discussions should prioritise the concerns of farmers, labourers and weaker sections, adding that criticism from the Opposition benches should not be misconstrued as hostility.Acknowledging the contributions of retiring members, the Leader of the Opposition referred to leaders such as Gowda, Pawar, Digvijaya Singh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and KTS Tulsi for enriching debates.Congress leader Digvijaya Singh recited lines from a poem by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and mentioned former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and spoke about his political career. Notably, he also apologized if his speech offended anyone.