By IANS,
New Delhi : Nostalgia hung heavy in the air as noted economist Bimal Jalan, jurist Ram Jethmalani, journalist Chandan Mitra and Bollywood “dream girl” Hema Malini retired from the Rajya Sabha Friday after completing their six-year terms, as did two others.
As Jalan put it: “I am leaving the house but I will continue to be a member of the house. I shall continue to observe the proceedings and will take keen interest in the debates”.
On his part, Mitra, who is the editor of The Pioneer newspaper, quoted from eminent poet Sahir Ludhianvi’s immortal “Mein ik pal do pal ka shahir hoon” to indicate his feelings on leaving the house.
Chairman Hamid Ansari placed on record the “valuable contributions” of the retiring members to the “rich and lively” debates they had participated in during their tenure.
“You will be missed. I hope you will take with you happy memories and I am confident you will serve the nation with the same vigour and enthusiasm that you have shown here,” Ansari added.
While Jalan, Jethmalani and Mitra were nominated members, Hema Malini represented the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The others who retired Friday were actor Dara Singh and Narayan Singh Manaklao, both of the BJP.