Bhubaneswar: In a recognition of their exemplary contributions to the Indian parliamentary system, Dr. Sasmit Patra, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) lawmaker in the Rajya Sabha, and Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Member of Parliament from the Lok Sabha, were bestowed with the prestigious Lokmat Parliamentary Awards for the year 2023. The announcement came on Tuesday, marking a celebration of parliamentary excellence and service.
The Lokmat Parliamentary Awards, now in its fifth edition, aim to honor outstanding parliamentarians who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and effectiveness in their roles. Chosen by a distinguished jury chaired by Subhas Kashyap, former Secretary-General of Lok Sabha, the recipients were selected after careful deliberation, considering their noteworthy contributions to the legislative process and public service.
Joining Dr. Sasmit Patra and Shashi Tharoor in the ranks of awardees were six other distinguished lawmakers from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Danish Ali, a Member of Parliament from the Lok Sabha representing the Bahujan Samaj Party, and John Brittas, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), were recognized as the best debutant parliamentarians of the year, highlighting their promising beginnings in parliamentary service.
Furthermore, the awards ceremony acknowledged the illustrious careers and significant achievements of veteran parliamentarians. Ram Gopal Yadav, a member of the Samajwadi Party in the Rajya Sabha, and Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Lok Sabha, were honored with the prestigious lifetime achievement awards, reflecting their enduring contributions to the legislative landscape.
Recognizing the pivotal role of women in shaping parliamentary discourse and governance, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a lawmaker from the Lok Sabha representing the Shiromani Akali Dal, and Saroj Pandey, a Rajya Sabha MP from the BJP, were lauded as the best woman parliamentarians in their respective Houses. Their unwavering dedication and impactful work have set benchmarks for excellence and gender inclusivity in parliamentary representation.
The award ceremony, graced by the presence of distinguished guests including Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, underscored the importance of recognizing and celebrating parliamentary excellence. As the recipients of the Lokmat Parliamentary Awards 2023, Dr. Sasmit Patra, Shashi Tharoor, and their fellow awardees stand as shining examples of parliamentary integrity, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of the nation.
