It gives me immense pleasure to be here amidst you in Puducherry, a haven of peace and tranquility with its pristine beaches which attract people from various countries and cultures. No wonder Shri Aurobindo found this land an ideal place to ponder over life divine! The serene sands of this quaint town offered him the inspiration to author some of the best known works in spiritualism and  Indian philosophy.

Puducherry with its French style boulevards  and colonial architecture is perhaps the nearest we can get to French culture without going to France.   Our late Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru aptly described it  as a ‘window of French culture’ in India. The people of Puducherry deserve full praise for preserving its historical legacy by successfully combining their French connection with the flavor of their own native customs and traditions.

Today, we have gathered here to felicitate Thiru Vaithilingam, Hon’ble Chief Minister and Thiru A.V.Sreedharan, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker on their completing 25 years as Legislators spanning over six terms continuously. In this era of competitive politics, 25 years of uninterrupted record as Legislators is laudable and to remain at the helm of affairs when this achievement is being celebrated is even more commendable. Therefore, I heartily congratulate Shri Vaithilingam and Shri A.V. Sreedharan, on their accomplishments in public life over the past 25 years as Legislators. It is a matter of immense pride for both of them as they are the only Legislators in Puducherry having this rare distinction of being elected continuously to the Assembly for as many as six times.

It is an enviable record to get elected for six consecutive terms. But, I am sure this is the result of hard work and dedication. Though Thiru Vaithilingam comes from an illustrious political background, he did not rest on his laurels, but struggled hard to carve out a niche for himself in the hearts of the people of Puducherry.  Shri Vaithilingam is credited to have provided a stable Government and efficient administration lasting the full term of five years during his first stint as Chief Minister of Puducherry from 1991 to 1996. An alumni of the famed Loyola College, Chennai, Shri Vaithilingam imbibed a zeal and commitment for public service from his student days. He may have inherited leadership qualities from his father and grandfather, but he always strived hard to remain close to the people, which is the ultimate test for any leader.   Emphasising   his commitment to implementing the election promises made to the people, Shri Vaithilingam’s Government has undertaken several welfare and development oriented measures particularly in the sphere of health care. Setting up a Medical College, a hospital with 700 beds for women and children, providing ambulances for Primary Health Centres to ensure timely medical aid for the rural poor are some of the notable achievements of the Vaithilingam administration.

The record of Shri Sreedharan is equally enviable. He started his life as a Mill worker in the Cannannore Spinning and Weaving Mill in his native Palloor. Within a short period of time, he emerged as a strong trade union leader ever ready to fight for the rights of the Mill workers and for the welfare of the down-trodden sections of the society. His involvement with the theatre inculcated in him a deep sensitivity towards social issues. As an actor and singer, he learned sensitive portrayal of burning issues confronted by people. The artist in him brought Shri Sreedharan closer to various sections of the society. And, his involvement with the trade union activities gave  him a prominent place in the Indian National Trade Union Congress in the Mahe region. This led him to contest in the Legislative Assembly elections in 1985. The people of Mahe found in Shri Sreedharan an indefatigable leader who fights and stands firmly for the cause of the weak and the vulnerable. So, they expressed their complete faith in him by returning him to the Assembly continuously since 1985.  As a six time Legislator, he has been instrumental in initiating several developmental projects in the Mahe region, thereby offering continuity to the growth process.

If we look closely at Shri Vaithilingam and Shri Sreedharan, it appears that they are a study in contrast. Thiru Vaithilingam was born into prosperity and political prominence with his grandfather being a Mayor and his father being the Chief Minister. But, Thiru Sreedharan was born in modest surroundings and had to struggle as a Mill worker at the tender age of 19.  Though their situations were different, they entered political life at the same time and I am glad that this duo is going strong politically and personally. Both have occupied various positions in public life and have always conducted themselves with dignity and decorum. After serving as Chief Minister for full five years, Shri Vaithilingam did not hesitate to function as a Minister to serve the people. Before he became the Chief Minister for the second time, he was Minister for Industries and Power. This shows that it is not the position but the proclivity that is critically important in public life.

In today’s world of liberalization and globalisation, we need people with courage of conviction and commitment to a cause to enter the political arena in order to take forward the developmental agenda without undermining our culture and heritage. In this context, Puducherry presents a classic example of our ability to harmonise modernity with tradition, thanks to the wisdom of its leaders and the maturity of its people. It is in the fitness of the context, I recall the words of Mahatma Gandhi who once said thus: ‘I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed in. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But, I refuse to be blown off my feet by any’. Puducherry is a living example of this spirit as it offers home to various cultures in its famed Auroville. This beautiful  town itself reflects a harmonious blend of two worlds; the French quarters and the native region. The success of Puducherry as a well administered territory goes to its leaders who understood the pulse of the people and followed sound policies and also its people who are ever ready to absorb the winds of change without disturbing  continuity. That is why all the four regions are developing evenly, assuring decent living standards to the people of  Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam alike.

I wish both these leaders, Thiru Vaithilingam and Thiru Sreedharan all success in their endeavours as public representatives. I hope they will continue to serve the people of Puducherry and keep its reputation as a haven of peace and tranquility. I thank you all for affording me this opportunity to be associated with today’s festivities and felicitations. I cherish the time spent here as precious moments in my memory.            

Thank you.